Work package 3 on ‘Advanced upcycling’ studies the upcycling of slags (plasmastone) and ashes, by-products of the gasification process of WP2. The work package studies on the one hand the improvement of the quality of the thermal valorisation residues (i.e.; removal of metals and hazardous components, increase of the glass content) through thermal conversion, using smelting and microwave heating methods. On the other hand, the use of the materials obtained as a component of cements, inorganic polymers and glass ceramics is investigated.
a: Lightweight aggregates produced from thermal treatment residues; b: Internal structure of the aggregate. (Patricia Rabelo Monich, University of Padova)
WP results
Download the results of the WP here:
- Final WP report (pdf)
- WP presentation given at the fifth international symposium on ELFM (Feb. 2020) (pdf)
Results per ESR
Hugo Lucas (ESR9), based in RWTH Aachen (Germany), studies the use of a submerged arc furnace for the treatment of slags and ashes, aiming at cleaning the material from any remaining heavy metals that could jeopardize valorisation. A vitrified slag could be developed successfully of a chemistry allowing valorisation in glass ceramics and inorganic polymers.
Georgia Flesoura (ESR10), based in KU Leuven (Belgium), studies the microwave treatment of ashes. Dielectric properties of the raw materials were thoroughly studied and a microwave treatment was applied. The phase assemblage formed was studied in detail. Subsequently, glass ceramics and inorganic polymer foams were produced from the glass obtained.
Guilherme Ascensão (ESR11), based in Italcementi (Italy), studied the synthesis of inorganic polymers from slag (plasmastone). A large range of synthesis conditions was studied, resulting in a binder of adequate properties. Inorganic polymer properties (mechanical, shrinkage, fire resistance, …) were studied in detail. Apart from this, lightweight materials were produced using the binder. In addition, incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) was studied.
Patricia Rabelo Monich (ESR12), based in University of Padova (Italy), developed glass-ceramics from slags and ashes. Glass ceramics could be produced successfully with properties comparable to ceramic tiles and natural stones. Dense glass ceramics with interesting electromagnetic shielding were studied as well as porous glass ceramics.