This project will establish advanced and suitable methods of metal-extraction and slag recovery from metallurgical wastes. In order to satisfy the request for drastic reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, this PhD will concentrate on recycling residual matrices into alternative calcium aluminate binders and alumina-spinel castables for refractory linings. Another objective will be to test the engineered refractory materials into industrial conditions and to evaluate the thermomechanical behaviour of the refractory castables. This project fits into the framework of the CESAREF project, a European Industrial Doctoral Network focusing on sustainable applications of refractories.
 
The expected results for this project are the characterization and establishment of eco-friendly and cost-effective new methodologies that are capable of extracting critical metals from slags. A mineral processing route of fines as well as grog aggregates and transfer of residues into refractory castable formulations for metallurgical application will be proposed. The mechanical strength at high temperature of the castables will be examined (thermomechanical in situ loading investigations) as well as the structure and chemical composition evolutions of the castables submitted to high temperature environments.