Reactivity and micro/nanostructural evolution of inertized alkali-activated mineral wool waste

This project aims to investigate the reactivity and micro/nanostructural evolution of inertized mineral wool waste (MW) in alkali-activated binder systems. MW is an abundant industrial byproduct typically landfilled due to its fibrous morphology and associated health risks. Through a novel thermal inertization process, MW is transformed into a safe, amorphous glass powder with high potential as a precursor for low-carbon geopolymer cements. The project targets the dual goal of waste valorization and CO₂ emissions reduction by upcycling MW into sustainable binders, potentially replacing natural raw materials (i.e. calcinated clay) and industrial slag, whose production is destined to decrease due to the progressive decarbonization of steel industry.To understand the reaction mechanisms and structure development, the project will apply an integrated suite of synchrotron techniques—small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray pair distribution function analysis (PDF), and X-ray computed tomo