Use of agricultural waste as raw materials for obtaining glass and glass-ceramics: A review

Abstract

Global trends are moving towards a circular economy to replace the deeply grounded one linear economics and waste management. Circular economy implies and the protection of human rights through sustainable development, global security natural resources, combating climate change, energy security, insurance sufficient amounts of food, reducing inequalities, preservation of health and a cleaner environment and the rights of future generations to resources, etc. The policy of procurement of raw materials in the circular economy is focused on the use of secondary raw materials. A big challenge for modern production is to use different types of waste to obtain new products without the use of raw materials. This kind of production requires new knowledge, adaptation of existing technologies or new technologies, new jobs, etc. Large amounts of vegetative residues are produced annually by agriculture. Agricultural waste is very often incinerated or disposed of on land and is still not used. Most of the agricultural waste ashes consist of silicon dioxide along with other oxides which may vary according to region and atmosphere of the local conditions. This paper gives an overview of the possibilities of using agricultural waste for obtaining glass and glass ceramics. Previous research has shown that various types of glass and glass-ceramics can be successfully obtained from agricultural waste, which can be used in construction, medicine, various composites, etc.