Russian Scientists Improve Waste Recycling Potential with Advanced Analytical Method

Researchers at South Ural State University, which is a partner of TV BRICS, have developed a new mathematical method that improves the identification of material phases, supporting advances in metallurgy, environmental science, and waste recycling.

The report stated that the method allows scientists to determine the composition of materials based on their chemical elements while identifying both the types of compounds present and their quantities. The project specifically targets the recycling of dust generated by electric arc steel furnaces, which contains materials such as zinc, iron, and chlorine.

SUSU specialist Yuri Kapelyushin explained that processing such dust has traditionally been difficult because of toxic components and the creation of secondary waste. Researchers have therefore focused on advanced preparation and briquetting methods to improve the use of secondary raw materials in metallurgy.

The theoretical method was developed by SUSU professor Aleksander Drozin and relies on mathematical modelling to calculate the most probable combination of compounds from elemental data. According to the report, the innovation could be applied in metallurgy, geochemistry, materials production, and environmental studies, particularly in recycling steelmaking dust and reducing environmental impact.