Speaker
Description
Industrial waste, generated through manufacturing, industrial and mining activities, represents a significant environmental challenge due to its potential to contaminate local soil and water resources, contaminating the groundwater, as well as lakes, streams, and rivers. A sustainable approach to mitigating these impacts involves the valorization of industrial residues as alternative raw materials for advanced ceramic production. In this study, industrial by-products such as red mud, fly ash and bypass dust (BPD) were investigated in combination with sludge liquids derived from wastewater treatment. The examined and used sludge were obtained using microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—bioelectrochemical systems capable of simultaneously removing organic pollutants from wastewater and generating renewable energy—thus providing an integrated environmental solution. The raw materials were systematically characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine their chemical and mineralogical composition. Behavior during the thermal treatment was also examined by DTA (differential thermal analysis) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). Based on these results, a technological protocol was developed for the design of ceramic materials incorporating industrial and organic wastes with low grade clay. Ceramics made from waste reduce the use of primary raw materials, improve waste management and contribute to the circular economy, while providing both ecological and technological benefits.
