Stainless steel slags are an inevitable by-product of stainless steel production and often contain high levels of chromium, which currently limits their use as a secondary raw material, particularly in the cement industry. Due to the environmental relevance of certain chromium compounds, these slags are considered difficult to recycle despite their potential to reduce CO₂ emissions. The CreeS project aims to develop a multi-step technological process for producing low-chromium slags. The approach includes mechanical pretreatment, oxidative thermochemical processing at the Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, and subsequent leaching. The extracted chromium is recovered and stabilized in the form of an Fe-Cr hydroxide sludge. The resulting Cr-free slag is thoroughly tested for its suitability as a clinker substitute in cement applications. CreeS addresses key challenges such as waste reduction, resource efficiency, and decarbonization, and exemplifies innovative strategies for integrating industrial by-products into a functioning circular economy.  

Contact Person

Dr.mont. Philipp Sedlazeck, MSc - Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management

E-Mail: philipp.sedlazeck(at)unileoben.ac.at

Tel.: +43 3842 402 5111

https://fti-ressourcenwende.at/en/projects/crees.php

Other involved chairs: Thermal Processing Technology