THE PRODUCTION OF SHAPED GLASS-CERAMIC MATERIALS FROM INORGANIC WASTE PRECURSORS USING CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERIC DC PLASMA VITRIFICATION AND CRYSTALLISATION

A tilting, twin electrode/torch cold skull plasma reactor has been used for the production of glass-ceramic materials from waste ashes and sediments. The reactor produced a homogeneous and de-gassed melt over a skull of the same composition within a single chamber, which allowed the rapid attainment of steady state conditions. The as-cast tiles were subjected to a scientifically defined cooling and heat treatment cycle to encourage the formation of crystalline phases and a uniform microstructure. The material performance requirements for economical viability, practical applications and ecological compatibility have been assessed. Dynamic process control has been used to compensate for the complex and variable nature of the waste streams to produce a consistent product.