Recycling and refining

– Research Domain 3

Recycling and refining_text

In refining and recycling, impurities is the tail that wags the dog. Increased recycling of products with varying alloy composition adds to this complexity.

The focus in this research domain will be to describe the thermodynamics and kinetics of oxidative refining steps and dross formation with respect to minor- and trace element presence. Another issue is the recovery of by-products and waste, salts or oxides with or without residual metal contents. The focus will be on waste avoidance, recovery of valuables, and re-use of waste streams within and across sectors.

Challenges

Generate fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic data of the oxidation and refining reactions.
Implement models, based on experimental data, to support the prediction of refining kinetics, efficiencies and yields.
Develop recovery processes for waste and/or find new applications for by-products and waste materials.