The mining and steelmaking industries, while vital for economic and social development, produce and dispose of waste that contributes to environmental instability and discomfort. In this context, this study aimed to develop novel polymer composites intended for Artificial Ornamental Stone (AOS) application by incorporating iron ore tailings (IOTs), quartzite waste (QTZ), and steel slag (SS) into an epoxy (EP) matrix. The chemical, mineralogical, physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the materials were assessed. Three waste mixtures were proposed using the Modified Andreassen Curve method, each with 35, 45, and 55 v/v% of EP. The composite properties were evaluated, showing that the composite with QTZ, SS, and 55 v/v% EP exhibited the lowest porosity (0.3%), water absorption (0.1%), and highest flexural strength (41 MPa). The composite containing the three wastes with 55 v/v% EP presented 1.0% porosity, 0.4% water absorption, and 34 MPa flexural strength. Lastly, the composite with IOTs, QTZ, and 55 v/v% EP exhibited 1.1% apparent porosity, 0.5% water absorption, and 23 MPa flexural strength. Therefore, the polymer composites developed with IOTs, QTZ, SS, and EP demonstrated suitable properties for wall cladding and countertops, presenting a potentially sustainable alternative to reduce environmental impacts from the mining and steelmaking industries.

The increasing demand for disposable textile products, personal care items, and electronic commerce has led to a substantial rise in waste generation, particularly from nonwoven fabric masks (wNWFs) and corrugated cardboard (wCC). This study assessed the feasibility of utilizing these waste materials, which were produced in significant amounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as both a matrix and reinforcement filler in wood–plastic composites (WPCs). The WPC was fabricated using either two extrusion cycles or thermokinetic homogenization, with both processes being followed by hot pressing. The formulations consisted of virgin polypropylene (vPP), wNWF, and wCC in proportions of 45, 45, and 10 wt %, respectively. The results demonstrated that the composites produced via two extrusion cycles exhibited a tensile strength that was 85% higher and three-point flexural strength three times greater than those produced through thermokinetic homogenization. These findings contribute to advancements in scientific and technological knowledge and offer an efficient solution for managing these types of waste, which continue to be generated post-pandemic.

Objective: The study evaluates, through a systematic review, the possible applications of Iron Ore Tailings (IOT) from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Mariana - MG in the production of new construction materials. Theoretical Framework: Based on concepts of systematic reviews, without analytical bias, and theories of recycling industrial waste and sustainable materials. Method: An adaptation of the Systematic Search Flow method was used, analyzing the waste preparation, characterization methods, mineral composition, materials produced and tests carried out from the selected articles. Results and Discussion: Most cases required prior IOT preparation. For characterization, the most used methods were X-ray Diffraction, Granulometric Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The IOT consisted mainly of quartz and hematite. Materials produced included concrete, mortar, blocks and bricks, plastic and ceramic composites, which were evaluated by water absorption and compressive strength tests. Research Implications: Provides insights into the application of the paper's results in the management of mining tailings and the production of sustainable materials using IOT, in addition to guiding new research. Originality/Value: The review demonstrates the feasibility of using IOT from dam collapse in the production of new construction materials and innovates by presenting graphic results, facilitating reading and understanding. The relevance is evidenced by the potential integration of results into new research, socio-environmental management strategies and sustainable development in construction.

The Brazilian mining industry plays a significant role in the country's economy; however, it also generates large volumes of tailings during the ore beneficiation process, resulting in severe environmental impacts. Recent research has explored the potential of iron ore tailings as a raw material in the manufacture of construction materials, with the aim of promoting environmental impact reduction. The characteristic coloring acquired by the materials produced can contribute to their application in some segments, where the aesthetic factor is relevant. In this study, we sought to evaluate the applicability of iron ore tailings, from the dam-breaking disaster that occurred in Mariana-MG, as a pigment for polypropylene, widely used as a polymeric matrix for composites, especially plastic wood. Samples were developed with different contents of polypropylene and iron ore tailings, the latter varying from 1 to 10% in mass, from the processes of thermokinetic mixing, milling, extrusion, pelletization and hot compression. The produced specimens were analyzed as to their appearance, and evaluated as to their mechanical performance. The results obtained show that the tailings have a high pigmentation power when incorporated into the polypropylene, besides not compromising its performance in terms of mechanical properties, even providing flexural strength gains.

This paper reviews recent advances in wood-plastic composites (WPC) research to explore their potential in composite structures. Utilizing the Systematic Search Flow methodology, the composition, production strategies, and physical-mechanical performance of WPC were analyzed. The extrusion process, whether isolated or combined with other methods, stands out for thermoplastic-based WPC, allowing continuous production and high processing rates. Polypropylene is commonly used as a matrix, combined with residual fibrous fillers that enhance stiffness and strength but also increase water absorption. The use of compatibilizing agents can mitigate this absorption and improve mechanical performance. The manual hand layup method is prevalent for thermoset composites, offering longer handling times and resulting in dimensional stability and thermal resistance; however, it heavily relies on the operator's skill, limiting process consistency. The versatility of WPC positions them as a promising solution for construction, addressing plastic waste pollution and deforestation. Nonetheless, further research is needed to enhance durability and performance while exploring new materials and techniques. This study comprehensively covers these aspects, employing graphical tools to illustrate the complexities involved and providing in-depth analyses of how these factors influence the physical-mechanical behavior of WPC.

Iron ore tailings (IOTs) are generated in massive volumes by mining, posing environmental risks through land occupation, dam failures, and heavy metal contamination, while construction faces growing pressure toward sustainable materials. This systematic review evaluates IOT valorization in construction materials, focusing on composition and water absorption performance. A structured search in Scopus^® identified experimental studies (2015–2025, English), excluding reviews, simulations, and non-IOT studies. Data were synthesized narratively by matrix type. The 24 studies reporting water absorption were also assessed for methodological quality using a bespoke six-criterion checklist, as no validated risk-of-bias tool exists for such experiments. Of 145 documents screened, 74 met the inclusion criteria. IOT content ranged from below 10 wt% to full substitution across cement-based, ceramic, geopolymer, alkali-activated, and polymer matrices. Water absorption varied accordingly: cement-based blocks with full substitution achieved 4.6%, bricks reached 18.0%, geopolymer/AAC composites ranged 13.0–21.0%, polymers achieved the lowest values (0.1–0.4%), and ceramics varied broadly (0.4–49.2%). Quality assessment classified 54.2% of studies as low risk and 45.8% as moderate risk, and inconsistent variability reporting was the main limitation. Performance depended on matrix type, IOT content, and processing, supporting circular IOT reuse in construction. This review received CAPES funding and was not registered.