Material flow and industrial demand for palladium in Korea

Material flow analysis (MFA) requires the use of reliable data. In intermediate or the end industries that lack field survey data or actual statistical data, the integrated material flow analysis methodology uses bottom-up flow analysis for primary and secondary resources, and top-down flow analysis for the distribution structure. By combining the advantages of the top-down and bottom-up methods, the Integrated Material flow Analysis Methodology (IMFAM) can overcome the limitations of each methodology. Using the IMFAM, this study surveyed the material flow of palladium, and a platinoid element used in Korea. Palladium is produced as a byproduct in the copper refining process in Korea, and about 80% of used palladium as a three-way catalyst (TWC), i.e., an exhaust gas purifying system for automobiles. As automobile production in Korea is expected to continually increase, the usage of palladium is also expected to increase. Moreover, the increase in the use of printed circuit board (PCB) plating solutions is expected to further increase the use of palladium. This MFA results well represent the flow of palladium in Korea and give a strategy to secure palladium steadily. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.