149-9 Building a Circular Economy: Using XRF and XRD to Evaluate Secondary Raw Materials for use in Stone Wool Production

Session: Research to Accelerate Recovery of Critical Minerals from Primary and Secondary Resources (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 277

Presenting Author:

Lindsey Hernandez

Authors:

Hernandez, Lindsey Danielle¹, Grealy, Jessica², Engel, Brooke³

(1) Owens Corning, Granville, OH, USA, (2) Owens Corning, Granville, OH, USA, (3) Owens Corning, Granville, OH, USA,

Abstract:

Achieving a circular economy requires the integration of secondary raw materials into industrial processes without compromising product quality or process stability. In the stone wool industry, achieving this balance is particularly challenging due to the strict chemical and mineralogical requirements of stone wool production. This study presents a comprehensive analytical evaluation of select secondary raw materials, including waste-stream rocks and metal slags, as potential batch materials.

 

Materials were assessed for their chemical and mineralogical suitability for use in the stone wool manufacturing process. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) was used to determine major and minor elemental compositions, while X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) identified mineral phases. The waste-stream rocks have ideal chemistries and properties for use in the stone wool process, however the metal slags exhibited characteristics that pose challenges for melt behavior, redox balance, and furnace integrity. These include broad particle size distributions, elevated levels of volatile elements, refractory mineral phases, hydrated phases, and residual metals.

 

These findings underscore the importance of rigorous material characterization when incorporating recycled and secondary material inputs into industrial processes. The study also highlights several opportunities for fundamental science investigation, including iron speciation of raw materials, quantification of chemically bound water, and acceptable thresholds for volatile elements. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing robust glass chemistries and process controls that can accommodate circular economy materials without compromising furnace performance and final product properties. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the value of integrating petrographic techniques into quality control and material selection workflows. By identifying potential risks and informing process adjustments, XRD and XRF support the advancement of a circular economy in the stone wool industry.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-9223

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