Ceramic waste reuse and valorization alternatives: A review

Abstract

Ceramic materials account for the largest percentage of waste generated in the construction and demolition of concrete structures. Currently, this ceramic waste is disposed of in landfills, due to the lack of alternative disposal options and the lack of awareness of options for the reuse of these materials. This study aims to identify the existing alternatives and establish the potential for the reuse and valorization of ceramic waste. This analysis of alternatives for the reuse and valorization of ceramic waste is carried out through a bibliographic review focused on identifying the existing options for the reuse and valorization of ceramic waste. For each existing alternative, a brief description of the methodology used is made and the main results achieved in each study are highlighted. Based on the bibliographic review, some alternatives for the reuse of ceramic materials are presented. It was established that ceramic waste is currently used mainly in the formulation of concrete, manufacture of electrical insulators, extraction of alumina, and as a geological barrier to contain nuclear waste. In addition, based on the properties of ceramic materials, it was concluded that the potential applications for reuse include obtaining thermal insulators, abrasive materials, coral reef regeneration, and the elaboration of structures using additive manufacturing techniques. It was found that the most economically profitable option for the reuse and valorization of ceramic waste is the manufacture of concrete, while the most viable option is the manufacture of abrasive materials.