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.

The SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus pandemic and the rise in climate disasters have fueled a surge in disposable mask production, exacerbating waste challenges. The study proposes a sustainable pathway for recycling Non-Woven Fabric (NWF) originating from masks made of Polypropylene (PP) used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Eco-friendly blends of virgin polypropylene (vPP) and recycled non-woven fabric (NWF) were produced through extrusion, and the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. The addition of NWF resulted in lower tensile and flexural strengths than vPP. However, from 50%wt of recycled NWF, the blends proved to be as stiff as, or even stiffer than, the virgin polymer. While slightly lower, the 50%wt NWF blend achieved properties close to those of vPP, making it the ideal composition for replacing PP in conventional applications. This approach offers a sustainable solution for mask recycling, reducing disposal impacts and supporting a circular economy.

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.

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.

This study proposes a sustainable approach to repurposing plastic waste, focusing on nonwoven fabric (NWF) from disposable caps used in historic mine tours. These caps are essential for maintaining hygiene when sharing helmets but generate significant waste. Blends of virgin polypropylene (PP) and recycled NWF (rNWF) were developed with 25%, 50%, and 75%wt using thermokinetic homogenization, extrusion, and hot compression. The blends and control samples’ mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties were evaluated. Tests revealed that stiffness increases with rNWF addition, while tensile strength decreases. The 50rNWF blend (50% NWF) stood out with a higher modulus of elasticity than virgin PP in both tensile (1.42 GPa vs. 1.22 GPa) and flexural (1.51 GPa vs. 1.28 GPa) tests. These results highlight 50rNWF as a promising substitute for PP, reducing environmental impacts and promoting the circular economy.