Aluminum Recovery from White Aluminum Dross by a Mechanically Activated Phase Separation and Remelting Process

The aluminum recovery from white aluminum dross by a mechanical treatment and sizing followed by remelting process was investigated. The dross was subjected to a ball mill, and the obtained particles were sized in different ranges. They were studied by advanced materials characterization techniques. It was found that the larger particles contain high metallic portions, and most non-metallic components of the dross are in the fine fraction < 1 mm. The Al-rich particles (> 1 mm) were remelted at 900 degrees C to recover aluminum. It was found that the metal structure after remelting is homogeneous and consisted of a dominant metallic aluminum matrix, containing an average of > 96% Al with around 99% total metallic components. The results show that the applied method is a good economic alternative for the aluminum recovery from white dross, which is important for the valorization/recycling of industrial waste and circular economy.

Automated summary

Aluminum recovery from white aluminum dross was achieved through a mechanical treatment and remelting process, with the larger particles found to contain high metallic portions. The method proved to be a good economic alternative for aluminum recovery from white dross, demonstrating the potential for valorization/recycling of industrial waste and circular economy principles.