To promote ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an advanced material with greater economic and environmental benefits, this study combined recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and red mud (RM) to further reduce the proportions of mineral material. Compared to natural coarse aggregates (NCA), the introduction of RCA can lead to the formation of numerous weaker interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between RCA and the new cement matrix due to the presence of old adhered mortar, resulting in insufficient mechanical properties of RCA-UHPC. Herein, the addition of 10 wt% RM did not improve the mechanical properties of NCA-UHPC, but significantly narrowed the strength gap between RCA-UHPC and NCA-UHPC, reducing the difference in compressive and splitting tensile strength at 28 d from 32.6 MPa and 4.7 MPa to 2.9 MPa and 1.1 MPa, respectively. Microscopic results indicate that ultrafine RM particles can fill the ITZs between RCA and new cement mortar, reducing their width to an almost invisible level. In detail, RM particles can serve as fillers and nucleation sites to promote the formation of high-crystallinity CaCO 3 crystals that can fill micropores and improve the microstructure between the old adhered mortar and the RM layer. Additionally, the bonds between the RM layer and the new cement mortar can be slightly enhanced by the hydration reactions induced by RM’s pozzolanic activity. The increase in hydration products from the continuous pozzolanic reaction of RM contributes to improved bonding strength, as reflected in the higher mechanical properties observed at 56 days compared to the reference group without RM. In this study, the combination of 20 wt% RCA and 10 wt% RM in the UHPC matrix under standard curing achieves a trade-off, offering a promising strategy for the combined reuse of construction and solid waste in the construction industry.

The aim of this study was to develop a clay-based mineral material with enhanced sorption properties suitable for application as an active ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Kaolin samples from the Jegłowa deposit were subjected to structural modifications through thermal treatment at 300, 600, and 900°C, as well as acid activation using a 4 M HCl solution. The resulting materials were assessed for microbiological quality in accordance with the ISO/DIS 17516 standard. In addition, mineralogical composition (X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis), specific surface area, pore structure, and sorption properties (gas porosimetry, SEM) were characterized to evaluate the influence of the type and intensity of modification on the functional properties of kaolin. Thermal modification at 600°C induced decomposition processes, resulting in a reduction in structural order and a decrease in specific surface area, which consequently limited the material’s sorption capacity. In contrast, acid activation led to a significant increase in the specific surface area of kaolin, which is advantageous for sorption processes occurring at the interface between the modified clay material and the epidermal layers. Microbiological analyses revealed that unmodified kaolin samples did not meet the requirements specified in the PN-EN ISO 17516 standard. Satisfactory microbiological quality was achieved exclusively in samples subjected to combined thermal and acid modification. Based on these results, it was concluded that unmodified Jegłowa kaolin can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations only in combination with antimicrobial agents to ensure compliance with microbiological quality requirements of the final product.

Valorization of waste materials as catalysts for sustainable coal gasification and cleaner syngas production.

Constructing amorphous-crystalline FeS via coordination regulation of ethylenediamine for efficient Cr(VI) removal from groundwater.

In recent years, there has been an urgent need for integrated solutions to synergistically manage industrial solid waste stockpiling and CO2 emissions. Single-component solid waste mineralization, such as those using only fly ash (FA) or carbide slag (CS), often encounters performance bottlenecks, typically characterized by a compressive strength of less than 2 MPa and a carbonation efficiency of under 10%. Furthermore, a systematic quantitative understanding of the synergistic interactions within multi-component systems remains absent. This study employs Response Surface Methodology to investigate the interactive effects of solid waste ratios, the water-to-solid ratio, and alkali content, aiming to elucidate the synergistic mineralization mechanism and overcome the bottlenecks of single solid waste mineralization. Under optimized conditions—specifically, 34% CS, 30% phosphogypsum (PG), a water-to-solid ratio of 0.48, and an alkali content of 27%—the system achieved a 7-day compressive strength of 3.5 MPa and a CO2 mineralization efficiency of approximately 16%, representing a significant improvement over typical single solid waste mineralization materials. Microstructural and spectroscopic analyses indicate that CS serves a dual function as both a calcium source for CaCO3 precipitation and an alkaline activator for FA. FA constructs a dense aluminosilicate network via pozzolanic reactions, while SO42− released from PG promotes the formation of ettringite, facilitating efficient pore filling and early strength development. Additionally, it was observed that surface pores were filled with more products compared to the interior, forming a gradient pore structure that is dense on the outside and sparse on the inside. The AFt and silicate gel were identified as the key microstructural driver for the performance enhancement. This study not only explores the ternary synergistic mechanism of FA, CS, and PG but also provides a viable pathway for developing high-performance solid waste-based mineralization materials that combine mechanical properties with efficient CO2 sequestration.

Biogenic carbon dioxide storage and mineral carbonation uptake in EU buildings.

This article presents an interdisciplinary assessment of the need to transform our single-planet civilization into a multi-planetary species through the lens of space resource extraction. In light of the annually increasing volumes of resource mining driven by ever-growing demand, the issue of replenishing the mineral and raw materials base required to sustain and further advance technological progress remains highly relevant. Accordingly, this article evaluates the prospects for the development of space resource mining, emphasizing its interconnection with the energy development of civilization as outlined by N.S. Kardashev, and provides a brief overview of the sources of these resources along with existing strategies for their utilization.

HighlightsThis paper investigates the effects of partially replacing cement with wollastonite inorganic microfibers on the fluidity, flexural strength, and compressive strength of ultra-high-toughness cementitious composites containing polyethylene (PE) organic fibers.This paper focuses on the influence of replacing cement with wollastonite microfibers of different aspect ratios on the initial cracking tensile strength, ultimate tensile strength, and tensile strain of ultra-high-toughness cementitious composites under uniaxial tension.Based on mechanical test results, observations of microstructures, and crack patterns, combined with the strain-hardening multiple cracking model of UHTCCs, the changes in the performance relationships among PE fibers, matrix, and PE fiber/matrix interfacial bonding after replacing cement with wollastonite microfibers are analyzed.The mechanism regarding the effect of cement replacement by wollastonite microfibers on the properties of ultra-high-toughness cementitious composites is elucidated.What are the main findings?When the amount of cement replaced by wollastonite exceeds 4%, it exerts an adverse effect on the fluidity of UHTCCs. Compared with a small aspect ratio of wollastonite microfibers, a larger aspect ratio of wollastonite microfibers has a more significant negative impact.Wollastonite has a more obvious enhancing effect on the flexural strength and compressive strength of UHTCCs. However, the strength-enhancing effect of wollastonite with a larger aspect ratio begins to decrease when the replacement amount exceeds 6%.The addition of wollastonite not only increases the initial cracking tensile strength and ultimate tensile strength, but also increases the ultimate tensile strain of UHTCCs, and wollastonite microfibers with a larger aspect ratio exhibiting a more significant reinforcing effect.Replacing a part of the cement with wollastonite microfibers reduces defects in the matrix, enhances matrix strength, and improves the interfacial bonding performance between PE fibers and the matrix. It optimizes the performance relationship among PE fibers, matrix, and PE fiber–matrix interface and strengthens the synergistic effect of the three components.What are the implications of the main findings?This paper can provide guidance for the application of wollastonite in ultra-high-toughness cement-based materials.Wollastonite is a natural meta-silicate mineral material with fibrous characteristics. In this paper, wollastonite with different aspect ratios obtained after grinding was used as a mineral admixture to replace cement for preparing ultra-high-toughness cement-based composites (UHTCCs). The effects of wollastonite on the fluidity, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile properties of UHTCCs were investigated, and the crack morphology and micro-topography of the tensile specimens after fracture were observed. The experimental results show that when the wollastonite replacement ratio exceeds 4%, it exerts a negative effect on the fluidity of UHTCCs, and wollastonite with a larger aspect ratio has a more significant negative impact. Relying on the bridging effect, replacing cement with wollastonite can significantly improve the flexural strength and compressive strength of UHTCCs. However, when the replacement ratio exceeds 6%, the strength enhancement effect of wollastonite with a larger aspect ratio begins to decrease. When the cement replacement ratio of wollastonite is up to 6%, it can increase the initial cracking strength, tensile strength and tensile strain of UHTCCs. At the same replacement ratio, wollastonite with a larger aspect ratio shows a better reinforcing effect. According to the observation of post-fracture crack morphology, the cracks of UHTCCs change from the original smooth cracks to tortuous ones after cement is partially replaced by wollastonite. Replacing a part of cement with wollastonite optimizes the performance relationship among PE fibers, the matrix, and the PE fiber–matrix interface, and it enhances their synergistic effect. This not only raises the initial tensile cracking strength of UHTCCs but also improves its tensile strain. In particular, wollastonite with a larger aspect ratio exhibits a more pronounced reinforcing effect.

Valuable mineral materials recovery from Sargassum spp. with a focus on phosphorus as magnesium-whitlockite.

The introduction of exogenous materials offers a highly promising technical approach for enhancing the performance of sludge anaerobic digestion (AD). This review systematically presents the mechanisms and application effects of carbon-based materials, metal-based materials, inorganic mineral materials, and metal–carbon composites in enhancing sludge AD. In-depth mechanism analysis revealed that these materials primarily enhance both methane yields and system stability through multiple synergistic mechanisms, such as mediating interspecies electron and proton transfer, promoting biofilm formation as microbial carriers, and adsorbing inhibitors while enhancing the buffering capacity of the system. However, a critical analysis indicated that the inherent limitations of various materials in engineering applications, particularly in terms of stability and recyclability, are the fundamental obstacles hindering the engineering implementation of this technology. Based on the above analysis, this review further proposes that the field is shifting from a sole pursuit of efficiency enhancement to a paradigm that balances efficiency and sustainability. Developing new recyclable and circular material systems with both high efficiency and excellent recycling potential is crucial for promoting the development of sludge AD technology towards a green, low-carbon, and resource-cycling direction, and also provides key scientific and technological support for the circular economy transformation of the sludge treatment system.

Urban green infrastructure (UGI) requires functional soils, yet sourcing fertile topsoil and natural aggregates can create environmental trade-offs. This study evaluated the performance of waste-derived constructed Technosols for UGI using an 18-month mesocosm experiment under semi-arid urban conditions. Four Technosol mixtures were assembled from locally available waste streams, including excavated subsoil (ExS), crushed concrete (CC), green-waste compost (GWC), together with a sand-gravel control. Mesocosms were planted with Lavandula angustifolia and subjected to two irrigation regimes (6 vs 12mmwk-1). Physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators were measured and integrated into function-based performance scores. The ExS-rich loamy sand Technosol (TE; 35% ExS, 35% CC) improved key soil properties relative to the sand-gravel control. Bulk density by 0.18gcm-3, while microporosity (22.7 vs 8.4%) and plant-available water increased by 6.3%. Near-saturated hydraulic conductivity remained high (11cmh-1) relative to the sand-gravel control. TE also increased cation exchange capacity (29.4 vs 12.2 meq 100g-1) and soil organic carbon (31.2 vs 19.2gkg-1). Across mixtures, the higher irrigation regime increased shoot biomass by 26% and root biomass by 39%. Functional performance scores were higher in ExS-rich mixtures for nutrient provision, nutrient cycling, water regulation and carbon storage. These results show that replacing coarse mineral fractions with locally available excavated subsoil combined with recycled mineral materials and green-waste compost can rapidly develop key soil quality attributes in Technosols. Waste-derived Technosols therefore represent a promising strategy to design functional soils for semi-arid urban green infrastructure. Long-term field validation across vegetation types is needed to refine design thresholds and evaluate large-scale deployment.

Abstract The transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to increase material requirements, as low-carbon technologies (LCTs) typically require more materials than fossil fuel-based energy systems. Here, we extend the MEDEAS-Spain Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) to improve the representation of material requirements, stocks, and flows. Key novelties are: (i) the use of sectoral material demand intensities for each economic sector, (ii) the consistent representation of material stocks and flows, (iii) for an exhaustive list of 43 mineral materials covered. We perform an impact analysis on the material requirements and associated environmental impacts (final energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and material footprint) of a baseline and three decarbonisation scenarios (reaching a 100% renewable electricity mix) to 2050. First, the PNIEC-LTDS scenario represents the national energy and climate plan (consistent with a green growth paradigm). Second, the CappedEcon scenario presents a final demand capped to its 2025 level (moderate demand-side measures). Third, the Sufficiency scenario is parametrised by downscaling monetary final demand across sectors to a level sufficient to provide decent living standards for the entire Spanish population; a novel approach within IAMs that aligns well with a postgrowth paradigm. The results show that the material requirements of LCTs deployment are substantial. For the PNIEC-LTDS scenario, LCTs are responsible for more than 30% of total cumulative (2025–2050) requirements for copper (36%), chromium (70%), cobalt (84%), graphite (81%), lithium (66%), and nickel (82%). The material footprint increases by 47% between 2025 and 2050 for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario. However, material requirements are mostly driven by final consumption for the rest of economic activities (74% of the cumulative material footprint for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario). In contrast, the Sufficiency scenario achieves a large reduction in GHG emissions (fossil-fuel emissions are reduced by 93% compared to 2025) and in material footprint compared to the other scenarios (and reduced by 55% compared to 2025). The robustness of the results is ensured through a range of uncertainty analyses. Our results therefore suggest that reducing the level of final demand (with sector-specific reductions), in line with the transition to a postgrowth paradigm, could be crucial to reconcile a rapid and large deployment of LCTs with a reduction in material footprint.

Introduction. This paper presents the results of a study of the particle size distribution and specific surface area of natural and manmade materials used as components of repair and restoration mortars for architectural and historical monuments in southern Russia. The aim of the study was to investigate the particle size distribution of eight types of locally sourced mineral materials (dolomite, limestone, marl, shale, gypsum, anhydrite, bentonite, crushed burnt brick) to further elucidate the influence of particle size distribution on the reactivity, hydration, and microstructure of binder systems. Materials and methods. Based on sedimentation analysis of aqueous suspensions of these minerals using Stokes’ law, particle size ranges were determined and specific surface areas were calculated. Results. It was found that anhydrite and dolomite are characterized by the highest dispersion (average size 14–15 µm), ensuring high reactivity and a dense microstructure, while gypsum and bentonite have larger particles (17–25 µm), affecting the water demand of the mixtures. Gypsum has the highest specific surface area (153.1 m 2 /kg), while bentonite has the lowest (86.7 m 2 /kg). Conclusions. The obtained data, based on the theoretical basis of materials science (provides an understanding of the relationship between the structure, composition, production technology and operational properties of materials) and colloidal chemistry (the behavior of dispersed systems, including processes at the phase boundary – adhesion, capillary phenomena), make it possible to substantiate recommendations for the targeted selection of components of repair and restoration compositions to ensure the required balance between strength, adhesion, water absorption and compatibility with the original materials of monuments and form a scientific and practical basis for the creation of authentic, economical and environmentally friendly compositions based on local mineral raw materials.

The recycling of non-ferrous ore processing waste with the production of marketable products is an important aspect in achieving sustainable development of production facilities in the mineral and raw materials complex. According to the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosprirodnadzor) report on activities in 2024, Russia generated 8.5 billion tons of industrial waste containing, on the one hand, high concentrations of pollutants, and on the other hand, valuable components that can be utilized in various sectors of industry and agriculture. This paper addresses the problems of recycling titanium ore processing waste – titanium sludge. The main approaches for their processing include the use of sludge as fillers for construction materials (cement, brick) and as feedstock for the production of titanium dioxide-based pigments; however, these methods are often limited by low extraction efficiency of target components. Therefore, it is proposed to utilize the waste as feedstock for coagulant production. The objective of this research was to select optimal leaching parameters for titanium sludge to obtain titanium-based coagulant. A review of scientific and technical literature devoted to the utilization problem of titanium-containing waste was conducted. The chemical and phase compositions of the waste were determined using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Reagents for acid leaching of titanium sludge were experimentally selected, and the influence of process time and temperature on titanium extraction efficiency was revealed. The research established the maximum degree of titanium dissolution into solution, amounting to 40.7%, obtained by leaching the sludge with aqua regia solution at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:3.5 for a contact time of 1 hour at room temperature (20 °C).

Synthesis of acicular aragonite via indirect carbonation of argon oxygen decarburization slag: Efficient calcium extraction and crystallization behavior

ABSTRACT The use of laterite soil with high Al and Fe content has been investigated as a novel supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to replace traditional mineral materials for clinker substitution. High‐energy ball milling was used to mechanochemically activate laterite and change its reactivity. This reduced the particle size, decreased the amount of crystalline gibbsite and kaolinite found in the soil, and increased the proportion of reactive amorphous phase. Extending the milling time beyond 60 min produced agglomerated particles with reduced surface area. This produced excess reactive aluminum, leading to a rapid formation of a disordered protective Al‐rich layer. This hinders cement phase dissolution during early hydration and slows initial strength development. Adding 5 wt.% of gypsum effectively mitigated these effects, promoting early hydration reactions and enhancing compressive strength. The combination of intermediate milling and additional gypsum produced the optimum laterite‐derived SCM. Finally, the raw gibbsite‐rich laterite soil exhibited pozzolanic reactivity and has the potential to be used as an SCM without additional activation.

• The environmental impacts of climate action must be assessed in the planning phase. • The Life Cycle Impact Assessment is a suitable framework for assessing different projects. • Environmental impacts can be significantly reduced by choosing the right materials. Climate action projects increasingly depend on construction materials whose embodied impacts strongly influence sustainability performance, yet cross-comparison between different types of infrastructure remains limited. This study evaluates the material related environmental impacts of representative European climate interventions using a unified life cycle impact framework focused on production and delivery stages. A structured workflow was applied, including project selection, inventory extraction from public technical reports, material quantification, and impact modeling using Global Warming Potential (GWP), Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), and Human Toxicity (HT). To allow a consistent comparison between heterogeneous interventions, results were normalized using category-specific functional units: floor area for buildings, surface area for parks, and length for flood defenses. Ten projects spanning building renovation, insulation upgrades, green infrastructure, and flood prevention systems were analyzed. The results show that environmental performance is governed primarily by material intensity rather than project size alone. Flood prevention infrastructure exhibits the highest absolute impacts due to heavy mineral material requirements, whereas green infrastructure projects demonstrate low normalized impact intensity relative to spatial scale. Renovation and insulation projects show wide variability depending on envelope material strategies, showing embodied exchanges that are not visible in total impact values. By integrating material inventories with category-based normalization, the framework transforms conventional material LCA into a comparative engineering tool capable of evaluating several climate actions on a common basis. This approach supports evidence-based material selection, exposes efficiency differences between intervention strategies, and advances the practical integration of embodied impact metrics into climate infrastructure planning.

This study aimed to investigate the utility of a mineral material that emits far-infrared rays as a method for continuous antibacterial action on the surfaces of cosmetic containers, in case of long-term use after opening. Methods: “MD-lite," a complex mineral that emits far-infrared rays, was added to plastic materials at a concentration of 2-5 w/v % to create pellets. These pellets were then extruded through a film forming machine and then spliced by 50 x 50 mm as film specimens. These specimens were tested for fungal resistance according to the standard method “ASTM G21-15 (2021)e1” and antibacterial activity according to “JIS Z 2801" by FITI Testing & Research Institute, a specialized organization. FT-IR equipment was also used to analyze the components of the films to confirm the presence of minerals. Ilite, a single mineral, served as a control. Results: As a result of testing the antibacterial properties of the film, it was confirmed that 5 types of mold and 4 types of pathogens were reduced by 3.9 to 5.7 log levels, indicating a sterilization rate of over 99.99%. These results are judged to be similar to the sterilization level of chemical disinfectants. In addition, the result of component analysis using FT-IR confirmed a unique detection pattern of “MD-lite” that was distinct from the control group, Ilite, and the same detection pattern was confirmed in the pellets and film containing this substance. Conclusion: Films impregnated with "MD-lite," a complex mineral that emits far-infrared rays, demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties, reaching levels close to the level of sterilization. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of the added ingredients. Therefore, applying this material to cosmetic containers, similar to the film composition, is expected to be highly beneficial for quality preservation by effectively eliminating microorganisms that can contaminate cosmetics after opening.

Research subject and methods. A comparative analysis of the author’s and literature data on the zoning of lithogenesis and cryogenesis processes in soils of the central area of the East European Plain was carried out. The study sites are located in the periglacial zone of the Valdai glaciation, concentrated around three soil zones of six subjects of the Russian Federation. A set of methods, including cartographic, morphological, stratigraphic, comparative geographical, and the 14C-method for dating soil samples, was used. Aim. To identify the features of manifestation of the Late Pleistocene processes of pedogenesis, lithogenesis, and cryogenesis in the central area of the East European Plain. Results. For the first time, the use of an integrated methodological approach made it possible to obtain results in a wide geographical aspect and generalize data demonstrating the varying degrees of the Late Pleistocene processes of cryogenesis, lithogenesis, and pedogenesis in the soils of the central area of the East European Plain. Here, paleocryogenic microrelief, paleocryogenic phenomena, and paleosoils of the Middle Altai period were identified and systematized. These soils possess different morphogenetic features, lie at different depths, and are buried by sediments of different thickness, reflecting the zonal specificity, time, and speed of lithogenesis and pedogenesis. From the Middle Valdai stage up to the present, the impact of the Valdai glacier has ensured the gradual change and intensity of natural processes in the periglacial region from the peripheral part to the glacial part. Since the onset of the formation, flourishing, and degradation of the ice sheet, the processes of pedogenesis, lithogenesis, and cryogenesis, and again lithogenesis and pedogenesis, have changed at different times and with a varying intensity of manifestation in different central areas of the East European Plain. In the chernozem zone, the processes of pedogenesis, lithogenesis, and cryogenesis occurred somewhat earlier than in the humid regions, with the latter process being insignificant and short-lived. The territory of the gray soil zone was dominated by the maximum development and impact of the glacial cover, which was reflected in the processes of intensive lithogenesis and the most extreme conditions of cryogenesis processes. In the zone of sod-podzolic soils, cryolithopedogenesis processes in different epochs were short-term, which was likely due to the dynamics of the existence and degradation of the glacial cover, manifested in a shortage of transported mineral material, as well as to the weakening and shortening of cryogenic processes.

To compare the clinical outcomes between xenogeneic bone graft materials primarily composed of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and synthetic bone graft materials primarily composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) used in micro crestal flap-alveolar ridge preservation (MCF-ARP) of periodontally compromised molars, so as to provide a reference for their application and promotion. In this retrospective case series study, patients who received treatment between October 2024 and April 2025 were enrolled. All the patients underwent MCF-ARP, using either DBBM or HA. Hard tissue changes and alveolar ridge contour collapse were evaluated and compared between the two groups preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning. Soft tissue healing process after the surgery was also assessed. A total of 14 molars from 14 patients were included. No significant differences were found in hard tissue changes between the two groups 6 months after the surgery (P>0.05). Two weeks and 1 month postoperatively, the vertical collapse of the contour at the ridge center was significantly greater in the HA group compared with the DBBM group [2 weeks: (2.73±1.89) mm vs. (0.00±0.79) mm, P < 0.05; 1 month: (2.74±1.13) mm vs. (0.35±2.34) mm, P < 0.05]. No significant differences were found in other sites at any other follow-up points (P>0.05). In terms of wound healing, the HA group showed a significantly higher percentage of wound area lacking keratinized tissue coverage compared with the DBBM group both 2 weeks and 1 month after the surgery (2 weeks: 47.88%±6.56% vs. 29.43%±14.25%, P < 0.05; 1 month: 25.68%±13.06% vs. 7.19%±7.18%, P < 0.01). Within the limitations of this study, the analysis suggests that there is no statistically significant difference in hard tissue and alveolar ridge contour parameters 6 months after MCF-ARP following extraction of periodontally compromised molars. However, early soft tissue healing is faster when using DBBM. Future randomized controlled trials with histological analysis are warranted for further validation.