Abstract
The growing accumulation of industrial waste and the depletion of natural mineral resources underscore the need for sustainable approaches to producing ceramic and construction materials. Among the most promising secondary raw materials are coal combustion by-products and metallurgical slags, which are suitable for ceramic applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the use of coal ash, blast furnace and steelmaking slags, together with clay-based raw materials, for the fabrication of ceramic and composite materials. Special attention is given to the physicochemical properties of technogenic raw materials and their effects on sintering, porosity, densification, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Modern processing methods, including pressing and high-temperature firing, are also discussed. The influence of key technological parameters, such as oxide composition, particle size distribution, firing temperature, and activation conditions, is analyzed. In addition, the review examines major challenges related to raw material heterogeneity, structural instability, thermal stress development, cracking, free CaO reactivity, and environmental risks associated with heavy metal leaching. Recent studies show that incorporating industrial waste into ceramic systems reduces waste disposal, natural resource consumption, energy use, and CO2 emissions, while promoting sustainable and resource-efficient technologies. Ash- and slag-based ceramics therefore remain highly promising materials for construction applications.