A recyclable ceramic material made from glass powder promises to reduce the carbon footprint of bathrooms, kitchens and roof tiles.
Project summary
The world produces vast quantities of glass waste, far more than is consumed in current recycling systems. More ways to utilise recycled glass are needed. At the same time huge amounts of energy and resources are consumed to manufacture ceramic tiles and building materials. A research team from the UTS School of Design have invented a new ceramic material using glass waste, helping to address both of these issues.
Traditional ceramics used in tiles and bricks are made from clay, earth or cement so the innovation has the potential to also reduce the consumption of these materials by using recycled glass instead. Furthermore, the manufacturing process involves much lower temperatures than traditional ceramics manufacture meaning the new system has less embodied energy, with a lower greenhouse footprint than conventional ceramics.
The project was awarded first place in the UTS Research Translation Competition, with a $75,000 prize, which the team will use to further develop the invention, patent, and find commercial partners to take the new ceramic to market.
For more informaton see the news story.
Project timeframe
2021 – 2022
SDG targets addressed by this project
Responsible consumption and production:
12.5 – By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
-
Adjunct Professor, School of Architecture -
Senior Lecturer, School of Design
