From waste to resource: energy-efficient production of glass-ceramic using blast furnace slag

The research successfully demonstrated the viability of producing high-quality glass-ceramics using blast furnace slag (BFS) through the petrurgic method compared with other energy-intensive methods. The findings revealed that this method not only reduces energy consumption but also effectively utilizes waste materials to form products with superior properties. The resultant glass-ceramic exhibited outstanding hardness and low water absorption, indicative of its dense and well-crystallized structure. However, its acid resistance was somewhat lower compared to its alkali resistance, which could be attributed to the chemical stability of the cuspidine phase in different environmental conditions. Future studies could explore further optimization of the material composition and processing conditions to enhance its acid resistance, potentially expanding the applications of these sustainable materials in various industrial sectors. This study underscores the potential of BFS as a valuable resource for the production of high-performance glass-ceramics, contributing to waste minimization and resource efficiency in the steel and ceramics industries.