BOWLS CEMENT PLANT
Holcim AG in Siggenthal mines limestone in the nearby quarry for cement production. Mining involves removing soil and various rock materials to reveal limestone. In numerous tests, I tested the clay-containing by-product, in combination with recycled ceramics and recycled glass, as a resource for new vessels. Bowls were created that are made from 100% reused material.
Tableware made from recycled material
CEMENT PLANTS
During cement production, cement clinker is made from limestone and clay in a high-temperature kiln. This conversion is enormously energy intensive and leads to significant environmental impacts, including high CO2 emissions. Pollution from cement plants is a serious concern as they contribute to global warming. Holcim AG has set itself the ambitious goal of producing climate-neutral and fully recyclable building materials by 2050. This is an impressive initiative, especially given the long development times and high demands for a marketable product that is manufactured in large quantities. Peter Kruspan's laboratory team is testing various recycling materials at full speed. The goal is to produce recyclable cement. In this context, I was allowed to exhibit my ceramic recycling project and was able to use some of the recycled materials for ceramic recycling.
Siggenthal Holcim AG cement plant
high temperatures
MATERIAL RESEARCH
High-fired ceramic no longer melts, even at very high temperatures. In order to recycle the fired ceramic, the addition of a primary raw material such as porcelain or clay is necessary.
In this project I asked myself whether it would be possible to replace the porcelain used for ceramic recycling with a by-product from lime production?
I received various recycled materials from the Holcim AG laboratory in Siggenthal. Gravel washing sludge and clay sludge are typical secondary raw materials that arise from the mining of limestone. Various material tests were carried out in connection with recycled ceramics.
Bowls made from 100% secondary raw material
Material testing
Material testing
Material testing
"OPEN DAYS" ZEMENTWERK SIGGENTHAL 2023
On the topic of circular economy, I presented material experiments and bowls made from recycled ceramics, recycled glass and gravel washing mud or clay mud. The exhibition exhibits showed how the principles of the circular economy come into play in reality.
Cross section of a Golden Biscotti shard
Exhibition Holcim AG Siggenthal
Laboratory Holcim AG Siggenthal
Exhibition Holcim AG Siggenthal
Exhibition Holcim AG Siggenthal
