Industrial Symbiosis refers to a collaborative approach, including synergies among companies for the transaction of resources, such as materials, energy, water, and by-products, thus resulting in mutual benefits and promoting a Circular Economy approach. Over the past decades, the steel sector was committed to reduce waste production as well as reuse waste and by-products to exploit them as a resource. Significant results in Industrial Symbiosis implementation have been achieved, creating new synergies and networks with other industrial sectors. Nonetheless, a comprehensive analysis of technical and non-technical barriers, that hinder the successful implementation of Industrial Symbiosis within the steel sector, can help implement an integrated and synergic approach encompassing and merging results and experience already achieved. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of recent studies on the research trends on Industrial Symbiosis, considering drivers and barriers to its implementation, and maps the recent achievements related to the steel sector, by analysing the impact of some significant case studies. For instance, CO 2 valorisation in flue gases and steel slags to produce silicates and carbonates via mineral carbonation and CO 2 capture, re-use and sequestration by industrial symbiosis activities involving the steel and ammonia/urea industries are presented. The literature review based on selected publications allowed tracing the evolution of Industrial Symbiosis over the last few years. The assessment of main lines for research in Industrial Symbiosis allows identifying the challenges for future research. The analysis of implementation of new technologies can help to create new symbiotic networks and further developments and scenarios for the steel industry in a future characterized by material scarcity, decarbonization, and more stringent environmental legislation.
This study aims to evaluate the direct natural wet CO 2 absorption potential of steelmaking slag, with a specific focus on the behavior of black and white slag, respectively, collected after the steel production by electric arc furnace and molten steel refining in a ladle furnace. Slag contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium compounds capable of reacting with atmospheric CO 2 through carbonation, forming stable carbonates and thereby enabling permanent carbon sequestration. Representative samples of black and white slag were monitored to assess their physicochemical properties, mineral composition, and carbonation behavior under natural environmental conditions over time. The investigation seeks to characterize and quantify the tendency and rate of CO 2 uptake for each slag type, highlighting differences in carbonation efficiency. Preliminary findings contribute to understanding the role of steel slag as potential carbon sinks within the steel industry, supporting sustainability goals. Furthermore, the study discusses the main factors influencing carbonation, such as particle size, exposure time, and ambient conditions, thereby providing insights into slag management optimization and the parallel enhancement of CO 2 sequestration during slag-yard stockpiling. This research represents a step forward in incorporating natural carbonation processes of steelmaking by-products into carbon accounting frameworks and promoting their beneficial reuse in climate change mitigation strategies.
This study investigates the influence of incorporating aluminum fibers, in proportions ranging from 0% to 2.5%, on the mechanical and thermal properties of cement-based mortars. Tests were conducted after 7 and 28 days of curing. Experimental results indicate that a fiber content of 2% yields the highest compressive strength, while a progressive improvement in flexural strength is observed with increasing fiber content, reaching a maximum at the same concentration. Regarding thermal behavior, a significant reduction in thermal conductivity was observed, particularly between 0% and 1.5%, indicating an insulating effect induced by fiber addition. In addition, open porosity, bulk density, and water absorption were characterized in accordance with relevant standards to evaluate the influence of fibers on the mortar’s microstructure. The novelty of this research lies in the application of the two-parameter Weibull statistical model to describe the dispersion of compressive strength measurements, accounting for the heterogeneous nature of the material. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the overall behavior of fiber-reinforced mortars and open new perspectives for optimizing their performance in applications with demanding mechanical and thermal requirements.
