By 2027, a total of 24 doctoral students in two cohorts will be researching functionalised refractory materials and composites made of ceramic and steel in the DFG Research Training Group GRK 2802 "Refractory Recycling". The Research Training Group offers the unique opportunity to develop innovative materials together with the new doctoral students on an interdisciplinary basis. In the research and training programme, the young scientists receive structured and individual support.

To this end, the Freiberg scientists will process and functionalise recycled refractories in order to generate new types of high-temperature materials with environmentally friendly binders that can be reused in the steel industry (recycling). They are also researching how new metalloceramic composite materials can be developed from refractory recyclates and used as electrode material for electrolysis processes that can contribute to the decarbonisation of the aluminium industry (upcycling). An international industrial advisory board advises the young scientists on upscaling the research results and evaluating the climate efficiency of the materials over their entire life cycle.