Material composition of municipal solid waste incineration residues and assessment of their potential for mineral carbon dioxide binding

This paper outlines the ongoing efforts in the Russian Federation to develop advanced infrastructure for the processing and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). The study identifies the types of waste generated during the thermal processing of MSW and presents a chemical composition analysis based on both domestic and international research data. It has been established that various methods for accelerating the carbonization of ash and slag from MSW incineration are emerging globally as promising technological solutions for carbon dioxide sequestration, aiming to mitigate the growing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere. The objective of this study was to investigate the material composition of slag and ash from MSW incineration, calculate the thermodynamic properties of chemical interactions between minerals and carbon dioxide, and provide a preliminary assessment of the potential for mineral-based carbon dioxide sequestration in waste incineration residues. The paper presents the results of an in-depth analysis of the material composition of slag samples from two MSW thermal processing facilities and fly ash, using a combination of mineralogical and analytical methods. It also includes a comparative analysis of the potential hazards associated with the studied waste materials, focusing on the phase composition of the slags and potential pathways for their further disposal. The presence of reactive phases that facilitate accelerated carbonization in CO2 sequestration processes is also highlighted. Additionally, the results of calculations on the isobaric-isothermal potential of hydration and carbonization reactions of slag phases are provided. When assessing the potential CO2 absorption capacity of MSW incineration residues, the Stenoir formula was applied to determine the maximum possible carbon capture capacity. The study demonstrates the theoretical feasibility of converting gaseous carbon dioxide in the studied slags and ash from a chemically active form to a thermodynamically stable carbonate form.