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Technical case record · Industrial materials

Spodumene tailings in building ceramics

Quartz–feldspar tailings and waste glass wool were co-processed into high-performance ceramic specimens.

Oulu, FinlandLaboratoryLaboratory evidence

What was developed or tested

XRD/Rietveld, thermal analysis, microscopy, density, absorption and mechanical testing were used across 750–950°C sintering conditions.

What the evidence supports

The work reported ceramic properties meeting cited ASTM C62 requirements. It is a laboratory example of tailoring flux behaviour to improve performance.

Environmental and technical uncertainty

Co-utilisation of two waste streams and lower-temperature densification are promising; thermal energy and feed cleanliness remain important.

Benefit-case screening lens

Potential value: Co-product revenue, reduced waste handling, substitution for virgin industrial feedstocks and diversified regional material supply.

Deployment constraints: Feed consistency, processing intensity, quality assurance, durability, regulated constituents, market size, logistics and customer acceptance.

Question before applying elsewhere

Can feed consistency, processing demand, product durability, release behaviour and market specifications be controlled beyond laboratory batches?

Sources

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