Scrap characterization to optimize the recycling process

Abstract

Managing the secondary production process for aluminum auto-shred scrap is of prime importance considering the projected demand increase for aluminum alloys in the transportation, electronic and packaging industries. Aluminum auto-shred scrap is a major end-of-life, mixed metallic stream that must be recovered and recycled effectively and efficiently to ensure infinite lifetime involving a broad distribution of re-use applications determined by specific alloy chemistry [1, 2]. Currently, secondary recyclers that dilute the melt chemistry using primary aluminum minimally only produce A380.1 as this alloy has broad alloy chemistry specifications [3]. Downgrading mixed auto-shred scrap streams is a significant waste of intrinsic value and reuse applicability. Downgrading here is defined as not utilizing all sortable chemistries within this mixed auto-shred. This, paired with scrap export, are the two major present day options for mixed aluminum scrap.