Scientists from the St. Petersburg Mining university have developed a unique technology for processing saponite, a mineral that remains in dumps after diamond mining. The new technique makes it possible to create organomineral clay with a wide range of applications at a cost 2-5 times lower than market analogues.
The developed material demonstrates exceptional properties in various industries. In the production of plastics and adhesives, a saponite-based additive significantly increases the strength and durability of materials. In the textile industry, the powder is successfully used as an antistatic agent and a component of antimicrobial coatings.
The technology is of particular value for the environmental sphere. Modified saponite effectively captures heavy metals in the soils of industrial zones and roadside areas, preventing their further distribution in the environment.
The technology has already been successfully tested field with 30 million tons of saponite waste. Together with university specialists, a sorbent for wastewater treatment was developed at a cost of 10-15 thousand rubles per ton, which is significantly cheaper than foreign analogues. Laboratory tests have shown cleaning efficiency of up to 94% of copper ions.
Experts note the particular relevance of the development in light of the global problem of processing waste from the mining industry. About 100 billion tons of mineral tailings have been accumulated in Russia, with an annual increase of more than 7 billion tons. Only 1-2% of the total waste volume is recycled.
The introduction of such technologies not only reduces the environmental burden on nature, but also demonstrates the real possibility of converting industrial waste into sought-after raw materials.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @dprom
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