Secondary Raw Materials Research Articles

Effect of Fe-Bearing Phases on the Mechanical Properties and Fracture Mechanism of Al–2wt.%Cu–1.5wt.%Mn (Mg,Zn) Non-Heat Treatable Sheet Alloy

The effects of Fe-bearing phases on the structure, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanism of a non-heat-treatable model sheet alloy (wt.%: Al–2%Cu–1.5%Mn(-Mg,Zn)), designed for Al20Cu2Mn3 dispersoids, was investigated. This involved a combination of thermodynamic modeling in the Thermo-Calc program and experimental studies of structure and mechanical properties. It has been shown that the addition of 0.5 and 0.4% iron and silicon leads to the formation of eutectic inclusions in the Al15(Mn,Fe)3Si2 phase. In addition to the Fe- bearing inclusions, the formation of the eutectic Al2Cu and Al2CuMg phases can be expected in the as-cast structure of the experimental alloys. Despite their relatively high fraction of eutectic particles, non-homogenized alloy ingots demonstrated sufficiently high deformation processability during the hot (400 °C) and cold rolling, which made it possible to obtain high-quality sheet alloys (with reduction degrees of 80 and 75%, respectively). The results of the tensile tests revealed that, after cold rolling, the addition of 1% Mg significantly increased the tensile and yield strengths, whereas the effect of 1% Zn was negligible. At the same time, the uniform distribution of Fe-bearing phases in the structure of the cold-rolled sheets contributes to the preservation of the dimple mechanism of the fracture toughness. This helps to maintain the same level of ductility for the cold-rolled sheet Fe-containing alloys as for Fe-free alloys. It has been shown, based on the data obtained, that adding Fe, Si, Mg, and Zn to the base Al–2%Cu–1.5%Mn alloy in a total amount of more than 3% makes it possible to retain the ductile fracture patterns of the base alloy and obtain a fairly higher level of mechanical properties. This suggests the fundamental possibility of using a variety of secondary raw materials (containing the main elements present in aluminum alloys of different alloying systems) to prepare a base alloy that does not require homogenization or thermal hardening.

Commercial algae in the White and Black Seas of the Russia coastal zones: stocks, chemical composition, structure, properties of polysaccharides, rational use

Aim: To analyze published data on the distribution, stocks of brown and red algae in the White and Black Seas, as well as on the chemical structure and properties of polysaccharides and their use. Evaluate the effectiveness of chemical-technological research and its results.Methods used: In preparing the review, science-metric methods of literature analysis from the databases of the RSCI, Scopus were used, as well as our own published research results, which used the methods of IR spectroscopy, carbon‑13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13С-NMR) and standard methodsResult: A review of the scientific literature on the distribution, stocks and use of algae in the White and Black Seas of the coastal zones of Russia are presented. Data on the study of the chemical composition, technological properties and chemical structure of polysaccharides from the White Sea brown algae — Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum, as well as Gongolaria barbata, Ericaria crinita — Black Sea and red algae A. plicata of the White Sea and 2 species — Coccotylus brodiei and Phyllophora crispa of the Black Sea.Novelty: Alginates from Cystoseira have been shown to contain about 35% L-guluronic acid. The chemical structure of the polysaccharide from Phyllophora crispa has been confirmed as kappa-omega-carrageenan. The prospect of using A. plicata residues after agar extraction and their processing as secondary raw materials to obtain microcrystalline cellulose, nanocellulose or amino acid hydrolyzate was shown.Practical significance: The presented data on the distribution of algae stocks and the recommended yield (RY), their chemical composition, as well as the structure and properties of polysaccharides can be used to draw up recommendations for regulating fisheries and planning production.

Characterisation of new sustainable gypsum composites with low-density polyethylene waste from single-use bags

The main objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of using Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) waste as secondary raw material in the production of new eco-friendly gypsum composites. For this purpose, LDPE waste in crumb form has been incorporated as a partial replacement by weight of the plaster material powder at percentages of 1%, 2% and 3%. Additionally, the gypsum binder in traditional gypsum composites has been replaced for LDPE waste in granulated form, at percentages of 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%. The experimental campaign has involved a detailed physical and mechanical characterisation of the gypsum compounds produced to study their potential applications in the construction sector. The results show that more efficient materials are obtained with the addition of these plastic wastes, significantly reducing bulk density and thermal conductivity coefficient compared to traditional gypsum-based materials. Additionally, a considerable reduction in capillary water absorption coefficient and open porosity has been observed. Moreover, the mechanical strengths in flexion and compression surpassed the limits established by current regulations for all the prepared mixtures. In this way, these innovative gypsum composite materials can be useful for application in the production of prefabricated elements, promoting the reincorporation of these plastic wastes, which currently present a challenge from the perspective of sustainability and circular economy.

Social acceptance, emissions analysis and potential applications of paper-waste briquettes in Andean areas

The research assessed waste-based briquettes consumption compared to conventional fuels in the Andes. Laboratory tests were conducted together with on-field analysis in Colquencha (Bolivia). The laboratory study shows that the performances of briquettes are better in terms of PM2.5 (933.4 ± 50.8 mg kg−1) and CO emissions (22.89 ± 2.40 g kg−1) compared to animal dung (6265.7 ± 1273.5 mgPM2.5 kg−1 and 48.10 ± 12.50 gCO kg−1), although the boiling time increased due to the lower fuel consumption rate and firepower compared to shrubs. The social survey organized with 150 Bolivian citizens suggested that low-income households are not able to pay for an alternative fuel: about 40% would pay less than 4 USD per month, while methane use for cooking is positively correlated with the income level (r = 0.244, p < 0.05). On field analysis suggested that local cookstoves are not appropriate for briquettes combustion since indoor air pollution overcomes 30 ppm of CO and 10 mgPM2.5 m-3. On balance, local small manufactures can be the main target for selling waste-based briquettes to reduce shrubs and wood consumption. However, briquettes production costs seem not yet competitive to natural easy-to-obtain fuels (i.e., animal dung). The research encourages the use of cellulosic and biomass waste-based briquettes in the Andean area for cooking, heating, or manufacturing and strongly advises policy-makers to introduce economic incentives for the recovery of secondary raw materials.

DOES - A multimodal dataset for supervised and unsupervised analysis of steel scrap

DOES - Dataset of European scrap classes. Today, scrap is already an important raw material for industry. Due to the transformation to green steel, the secondary raw material scrap will become increasingly important in the coming years. With DOES a free dataset is presented, which represents common non-alloyed European scrap classes. Two important points were considered in this dataset. First, scrap oxidizes under normal external conditions and the visual appearance changes, which plays an important role in visual inspections. Therefore, DOES includes scrap images of different degrees of corrosion attack. Second, images of scrap metal (mostly scrap piles) usually have no intrinsic order. For this reason, a technique to extract many overlapping rectangles from raw images was used, which can be used to train deep learning algorithms without any disadvantage. This dataset is very suitable to develop industrial applications or to research classification algorithms. The dataset was validated by experts and through machine learning models.

The use of liquid fatty waste from restaurants as an alternative raw material for the food industry, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, and the production of biofuel

There is an active search for alternative types of raw materials for the needs of the national economy. Fossil fuel reserves are noticeably depleted, the ecological condition of the environment is deteriorating, and at the same time, the amount of industrial waste that needs to be disposed of is increasing. The number of polymers for production based on natural raw materials and the need for them for the food industry, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications is constantly growing. About 250,000 liters of used vegetable oil and other fats are generated every week in catering establishments of Ukraine. The largest share belongs to spent frying fats. A significant volume of promising raw materials ends up in the sewage system. The resources of the treatment plants are excessively depleted. Also, emissions of spent fatty raw materials cause enormous damage to the environment. A study was conducted on: the dynamics of changes in quality indicators of sunflower oil during prolonged heating; evaluation of the quality indicators of the samples of the studied spent fats; dynamics of changes in cooking fat quality indicators during prolonged heating; the dynamics of changes in the quality indicators of frying fat during prolonged heating; the physico-chemical indicators of the quality of samples of experimental used fats were investigated. The possibility of using spent frying fats for the production of targeted products, which is a promising resource for the synthesis and production of polymer materials and secondary raw materials in the processes of the technical sphere and the production of biofuel, was investigated. The use of spent liquid fats as a raw material for the production of diesel fuel is appropriate, however, among the tested samples, heated sunflower oil is the least suitable. Spent deep-frying and cooking fats showed a fairly high resistance to long-term heating and after contact with a hot surface are characterized by acceptable values of thermo-oxidative stability, namely 46.5 and 44.1 %, respectively.

Determining the recycled content in cement: A study of Austrian cement plants

Waste materials and industrial by-products are increasingly used in the production of cement clinker and cement, serving as secondary fuels, secondary raw materials, and supplementary cementitious materials. As these waste-derived materials are partially or fully incorporated into the product, they are technically recycled. Consequently, a certain proportion of the cement consists of recycled materials. This paper presents a method to calculate this recycled content in cement not only based on mass streams, but also based on valuable chemical components and compares the results for both calculation methods in the course of a case study of two Austrian cement plants. It is demonstrated that one metric ton of cement consists of 365 kg and 387 kg of secondary materials, respectively. This results in an average recycled content of 37.6 %. In addition, the contribution of primary and secondary materials to the heavy metal content of cement is assessed.

Evaluation of the properties of a new circular building composite material to upcycle building wastes

A new circular composite material for building applications is developed, made of two secondary raw materials coming from waste recycling: fibers and sand. Hydraulic lime is added as a binder. This new composite targets a low environmental impact thanks to benefits of upcycling buildings waste, low energy production process, lifetime up to 60 years and of a high potential of reversibility, reuse and upcycling. The research focused on mechanical and physical properties, as well as analysis of the microstructure by X-ray 3D microtomography and in-situ compression testing. The mechanical and physical test results show good and unexpected properties: a density of 390 to 1300 kg/m3; a compressive strength between 0.2 and 2.2 MPa, a bending strength of 0.1 to 1.9 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.06 to 0.14 W/mK. Further research will focus on circular construction and environmental aspects. Three applications are envisioned, according the standards of the building sector.

Research on an eco-safe filtration plant for wastewater treatment made of natural raw materials

Purpose. To develop a new eco-safe filtration plant for wastewater treatment based on natural and secondary raw materials, which will allow rational use of natural resources with further mathematical modeling of hydrodynamics of mixing treated wastewater in bioponds to predict removal of residual concentrations from the filter. Methodology. A complex of modern methods of theoretical and experimental research was used to solve the tasks. Concentration of pollutants was determined using methods of atomic adsorption spectroscopy, titrimetry and gravimetric methods, as well as pyrometric analysis. A laboratory installation was created, which included a receiving tank, a filter column, and a tank for collecting purified wastewater. Prediction of distribution and mixing of treated effluent in bioponds was carried out using mathematical and computer software. Findings. An environmentally safe filtration plant (containing sand, fallen leaves of linden, poplar, and plastic residues separated by a polymer mesh) was created to purify wastewater from suspended substances and nitrates. Kinetics of changes in concentration of suspended solids and nitrates in urban wastewater were studied. When using the filtration plant, concentration of suspended solids decreased by 85–92 %. Concentration of nitrates in purified water processed with such a plant is reduced from 12 to 0.25–0.05 mg/dm3. A mathematical model concerning distribution of purified water in a biopond was obtained, which allows predicting possible migration distributions of residual concentrations in purified water during its natural movement downstream. Originality. For the first time, influence of the species origin of fallen leaves on the performance indicators of wastewater filtration plant of urban sewage treatment constructions was investigated, which made it possible to substantiate a new way of disposal of this type of waste. For the first time, it was established that wastewater treatment using an eco-safe filtration plant based on natural and secondary raw materials, containing layers of sand, fallen oak, linden, and poplar leaves, gives an opportunity to reduce contents of suspended solids in wastewater by 1.5 times of the maximum permissible concentration; and such treatment also reduces concentration of nitrates by 4 times from the initial level. Pollutants from wastewater are mechanically fixed in pockets (microcracks, cracks) of fallen leaves, formed during drying of leaves, which is explained by hardening of intercellular spaces with formation of a specific geometry of holes. For the first time, mathematical modeling of purified wastewater movement in a biological pond with a complex geometry was performed, which allows estimating the concentration of the pollutant at its outlet from the pond. Practical value. The created environmentally safe wastewater filtration plant gives an opportunity to perform not only filtering, but also an effective biological purification of wastewater from nitrates on the surface of layers of fallen leaves. The wide use of the proposed installation will allow attracting plastic of polyethylene bottles used in everyday life as a secondary raw material. Based on the proposed mathematical model of movement of purified liquid containing residual concentrations of pollutants, it is possible to carry out qualitative forecasting and optimization of the process of cascade wastewater treatment at industrial and economic enterprises.

Effect of Secondary Fillers in Polymeric Material for CIPP on Fresh Processability

The paper focuses on developing and testing polymeric materials for the CIPP method. The CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) method is a method, that focuses on rehabilitation without excavation, especially for sewer pipes. These developed materials are then saturated in special textile sleeves, which are pulled and cured directly in the sewer. Foam waste glass, basalt filler, waste glass from solar panels, and fly ash were used as secondary fillers for the tested formulations. The secondary raw materials in these materials improve the mechanical performance of the resulting composites and, in addition, improve their environmental and economic impact. The main subject of this paper is to verify the processability of these materials and verify their application/saturation into the textile lining. In particular, the determination of kinematic viscosity, fresh density, comparison of workability, and the so-called application test. The aim is to assess the influence of the added secondary raw materials on the processability and correct application to the lining so that the results are better or comparable to the reference material or have even better properties than the mass reference. According to research, basalt filler appears to be the most suitable secondary filler.

Research of a New Chemically Resistant Repair Mortar Modified with Secondary Raw Materials

This paper deals with the research of a new chemically resistant cement repair mortar modified with selected secondary raw materials. The aim of this work is to study the influence of particle distribution of fly ash on selected characteristics of the developed remediation material. This new mortar will be suitable for use in the extremely aggressive environment of sewers. The monitored parameters include key physical-mechanical characteristics and resistance to the attack of aggressive biogenic sulfuric acid. The chemical resistance was tested by simulating the exposure environment in laboratory conditions, according to the methodology of DIN 19573. The obtained results show that by optimizing the particle distribution of fly ash it is possible to maintain the values of physical-mechanical characteristics and improve the chemical resistance of test specimens of new repair mortar.

Experimental Study of Amphibolite-Basalt (SiO2-AlO3-CaO-Fe2O3) Glasses for Glass-Ceramic Materials Production.

The paper presents research on multicomponent glasses obtained from natural and secondary raw materials, i.e., basalt, amphibolite, and cullet. The raw materials were used as potential sets to produce mineral fibres or glass-ceramic materials. FTIR spectroscopy and XRD studies were carried out to identify the composition of the phase type in the glass sets. The results were supported by SEM-EDS microstructural studies of the obtained materials. The ability of the melts to crystallize and their basic properties required in producing mineral fibres, i.e., the hardness and the acidity modulus, were also determined. In the glass samples after the crystallization process, the spectroscopic studies revealed an increase in the half-width of the band at 1200-800 cm-1 and splitting at the values of about 870 cm-1 and 970 cm-1. These changes probably indicate the formation of pyroxene-type crystalline phases. Moreover, based on the XRD results, it was confirmed that the obtained materials were fully amorphous. After annealing at 800 °C for 2 h, the materials show a small proportion of crystalline phases. For the materials annealed at higher temperatures, clear peaks from the crystalline phases were represented mainly by pyroxenes. The proportion of crystalline phases in the samples was also found to rise with increasing temperature, and the hardness values for the basalt glasses and glasses after crystallization rose from 753 to 946 HV0.05. Such an effect positively affects the properties of the obtained glass-ceramic materials based on the proposed sets. However, in the case of mineral fibres, crystallization at early 2 h at 800 °C can be a disadvantageous feature from the point of view of their application because crystalline phases can lead to fibre damage after a short period of operation; this will be confirmed in this study.

Parallel universes, one circular goal: An empirical study comparing Austrian wood- and plastic-based industries

The transition to a circular economy (CE) is vital for sustainable development, and this has prompted a need for studies on its nuanced implementation across sectors. This research investigates the divergent perceptions and implementations of CE in bio-based and non-bio-based industries by examining the Austrian wood- and plastic-based innovation systems (WCEIS and PCEIS) employing the technological innovation systems framework, with primary data from semi- structured interviews (N = 34). The findings reveal significant differences: WCEIS, aligning with prior literature, adopts a more opportunistic and positive strategy, while PCEIS exhibits intensified barriers, emphasizing mitigation of prevalent negative conditions. The insights reveal WCEIS embracing business model innovation and corporate image improvements as key drivers, leveraging potential economic value creation and resource efficiency, whereas PCEIS is molded by internal motivations, societal responsibilities, and a quest to alleviate its prevailing negative image by focusing on mitigating challenges in recyclates availability and sorting processes. However, both sectors perceive CE as a pivotal market opportunity. Specifically, a “pull” effect stemming from entrepreneurial motivations and positive market potentials guides WCEIS, while a “push” effect arising from urgent external constraints and remediation needs directs PCEIS. This denotes the essential divergence and convergence in their pathways toward CE. The study accentuates the imperative of strategic, sector-specific interventions and a recalibration in Austrian policy to bolster infrastructural developments, normalize secondary raw materials, and enrich public engagement. Recommendations propose targeted subsidies and training for WCEIS and community-driven initiatives and education for PCEIS, highlighting the importance of addressing unique challenges and capitalizing on the inherent drivers in each system to realize ecological aspirations.

Potential Industrial Synergies in the Steelmaking and Metal-Processing Industry: By-Products Valorization and Associated Technological Processes

Steelmaking and ferrous metal processing companies are suppliers of great importance to a wide array of industries, thus being quintessential for the social and financial growth of regions and countries. Most used processes (i.e., blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, and electric arc furnace-based) are, however, highly pollutant, generating hazardous wastes that were usually landfilled. Generated wastes are important sources of secondary raw materials such as zinc and iron, presenting interesting market value. Hence, aiming to develop green procedures, industries have been using diverse approaches to treat and detoxify hazardous wastes, extract and reuse added value components, or even use their existing infrastructures to convert the wastes generated by other industries into secondary raw materials for steel manufacturing. This paper reviews the main industrial processes, focusing on the waste-generating steps, and discloses the most recent and relevant industrial synergies toward a circular economy. The final contribution of this study consists of the compilation of industrial synergies and recovery technologies for the steelmaking and metal processes.

Metabolic Stability of Eight Airborne OrganoPhosphate Flame Retardants (OPFRs) in Human Liver, Skin Microsomes and Human Hepatocytes

The waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is generally considered a secondary raw material for the recovery of valuable components. However, emerging issues regarding the impact of suspended particles arising from WEEE recycling operations are a concern. It was recently demonstrated that samples from three different WEEE plants were rich in organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). Since exposure to a xenobiotic can lead to its biotransformation through human metabolism routes, in the present study, the metabolism of eight OPFRs of interest in our sampling campaign (triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), tri-m-tolyl phosphate (TMTP), ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPhP), tributoxyethyl phosphate (TBOEP), diphenyl phosphate (DPhP), trichloroethyl phosphate (TCEP), tris(1,3-dichloropropan-2-yl) phosphate (TDClPP) and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP)) was investigated. Their metabolism was studied at different time points in three matrices: human liver microsomes, human hepatocytes and human skin microsomes. This study, which was run using a common experimental setting, allowed easy comparison of results for each OPFR of interest, and a comparison with other data in the literature was performed. In particular, a number of metabolites not previously described were detected, and for the first time, it was shown that TPhP could be metabolized in human skin microsomes.

Metal Deportment in Complex Secondary Raw Materials: The Case of Vanadium in Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags

With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials and the consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium. Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 wt.% V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples Ca carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime, and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the V-bearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

Production of biodiesel from fat of secondary crab materials

Production of biodiesel from the fat-containing entrails of king crab is investigated. These secondary raw materials are massively disposed (released into the sea) after separation of limbs. Routine technologies of the biodiesel production from vegetable and fish oils are used. The fatty acid composition of the fat is analyzed and the acid and peroxide numbers are determined. A high content of PUFAs (42.5 %) is detected, including the omega-3 (30.6 %) and omega-6 (12.3 %) fatty acids. High acid number (5.5 mg KOH per g fat) and peroxide number (85.6 mmol of active oxygen per g fat) of the crab fat do not meet the requirements for edible fish oils. The biodiesel in the form of fatty acid ethyl esters was produced from the crab fat with three indicators (NaOH, KOH, and H2SO4). Reactions with alkali did not give positive results due to formation of large amounts of soap. The best yield of esters was obtained in the experiment with sulfuric acid: 52.2 g of biodiesel was produced from 50.0 g of fat. Mechanisms of the reaction are explained and mass balances of the process are presented. Kinematic viscosity, total contamination, and acid number of biodiesel (4.96 mm2/s, 8 mg/kg, 0.35 mg KOH/g, respectively) meet the requirements of the national standard GOST R 53605-2009 (EN 14214:2003).

Preliminary Study of Low-Grade Clays as Secondary Raw Material for Geopolymer

Preliminary Study of Low-Grade Clays as Secondary Raw Material for Geopolymer

Geological and Geomechanical Characterization of Phosphate Mine Waste Rock in View of Their Potential Civil Applications: A Case Study of the Benguerir Mine Site, Morocco

Sedimentary phosphate extraction in open-pit operations generates large volumes of waste rock (WR), which are mainly overburdens and interburdens. Traditionally, the WR is mixed and stored on the surface in waste rock piles (WRPs). This paper presents a case study of the Benguerir mine site in Morocco. It investigates the potential valorization of each WR lithology based on the geological and geomechanical properties to reduce their environmental footprint and create added value to “waste.” The WR samples (soils and rocks) were collected from drill cores and mining trenches in the Benguerir mine. The geological characterization results using petrographic descriptions indicate the presence of nine phosphate layers and, in addition to the overburdens, eight interburdens. Four types of WR are identified: carbonate, siliceous, marly clay, and phosphate. The geomechanical characterization of soil-like samples showed an average plasticity index (PI) of 50% according to the methylene blue value (MBV) of 7.1, classifying them in the A3–A4 categories as plastic and clayey marl soils. The hard rock samples have excellent mechanical properties in terms of their uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Los Angeles abrasion value (LA), and micro-Deval value (MD). The average compressive strength is 104 MPa for the flint, 35 MPa for the phosphate flint, 32 MPa for the silexite, 26 MPa for the limestone, 11 MPa for the indurated phosphate, and 8 MPa for the marly limestone. Based on the obtained results, these WRs can be considered as an excellent alternative secondary raw material for use in civil engineering applications, ceramics, and cement industries.

Synthesis and characterisation of mesoporous MgAl2O4 hollow spheres as a high-value product in a waste recovery strategy

Micrometre-scale hollow sphere-shaped MgAl2O4 powders were synthesised using a spray-drying method, followed by calcination. An aqueous solution of mixed Mg2+ and Al3+ salts, derived from aluminium slag and serpentine tailings, served as a source of magnesium and aluminium. The secondary raw materials were subjected to acid leaching, and the refined leachates were used to prepare a spray-dried MgAl2O4 precursor, which was heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 550 °C to 1100 °C for 1 h. Characterisation of the resulting MgAl2O4 spinel powders was performed using various physicochemical techniques, including thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and physical adsorption using N2 (BET). The prepared MgAl2O4 spinel demonstrated several unique properties, including ultrafine particles with a uniform distribution (1–5 μm) and minimal particle agglomeration, high sintering activity (beginning at 550 °C), high purity, high specific surface area (110 m2 g-1/750 °C), and open porosity with a narrow pore size distribution (3–7 nm). These properties make the prepared MgAl2O4 spinel a highly valuable product for waste recovery strategies. The simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of this process also predispose it to large-scale production of functional mixed metal oxides of various compositions for use in industries such as energy storage, sensing, and 3D printing fillers.