Important results from the project
The project showed a path for iron purification of scrap-based Aluminum and for carbon dioxide-free Aluminum, Fe-contaminated by the inert electrodes.
The project identified paths for scale-up that require interventions in today´s process, including changes to process windows and investments in new process equipment.
Circularity is possible utilising the residual material as a master alloy for alloys used in additive manufacturing or as a pre-deoxidation agent in steelmaking.
Expected long term effects
In the long term, the project will enable better cast alloys by separating out Fe which is a troublesome element. The project did not provide clear evidence that it is possible to combine Fe separation with oxide purification and this would be of interest.
For machinable materials, concepts have been developed but further work is needed to create a solution with less intervention in the process.
Approach and implementation
The experimental work has been conducted at JU and where possible, data and tools have been provided to the companies and Swerim to work on scale-up and circularity analysis.
The work has been disrupted by equipment failure that made analysis of combined oxide and Fe separation difficult, but a shorter series was carried out.
The purification concepts that have been developed all required an adjustment of the process window where cast alloys are closest to application.
External links
The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.
