Pre-melted manganese-aluminium alloy PREMA-2

Purpose and goal

The alloying of Al with Mn takes place through a pre-alloy based on virgin materials with high levels of Mn and Al. The project aimed to investigate the possibility of producing these alloys from secondary raw materials, containing Mn oxide in combination with residual products from the Al industry. A stable process concept has been identified for an AlMn alloy. Still, the separation between metal and slag was insufficient for industrial-scale verification. The dissolution rate was investigated on a laboratory scale and was judged to be equivalent to ordinary alloys.

Expected results and effects

The stable process concept identified for producing a fused AlMn alloy based on secondary raw materials containing Mn oxide in combination and residues from the Al industry shows the possibility of increasing circularity and resource utilization for the industry. There is a potential to recycle both lead and zinc in combination with the production of the AlMn alloy. Further development is necessary for slag systems in the process to achieve a good separation between metal and slag for the implementation of the concept on an industrial scale.

Planned approach and implementation

The work in the project was planned to consist of a combination of studies at lab scale, pilot scale and industrial scale with participation from both universities, industry and research institutes. Although the results of the pilot trials regarding the impact and metal separation prevented industrial tests, the industry has nevertheless contributed in a constructive way to find solutions to the problem. The co-operation between the parties has been excellent despite a high staff turnover in the industry.