The recovery of aluminum from aluminum matrix composites by a molten salt process

• Published in: Journal of Japan Institute of Light Metals Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 183 - 188
• Main Authors: INOUE, Tetsuo, INAYOSHI, Hiroshi, KANEMATSU, Hideyuki, KUNIEDA, Yoshihiko, HAYASHI, Shigeo, OKI, Takeo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Tokyo The Japan Institute of Light Metals 1996; Keikinzoku Gakkai, c/o Hibiya Asahi Seimeikan, Keikinzoku Kyokai
• Subjects: aluminum matrix composite; molten salt; recovery; recycling process; reinforced materials
• ISSN: 0451-5994; 1880-8018
• DOI: 10.2464/jilm.46.183

In order to develop the recycling process of aluminum, the recovery of aluminum and the removal behaviors of reinforced materials from aluminum matrix composites have been investigated experimentally by using molten salt process, and its mechanism have been discussed. Si3N4/2024 and SiC/6061 aluminum composites SiC/Al–Si alloy composite containing K2TiO3 and Al2O3 were used samples. These aluminum matrix composites were treated in equimolar KCl–NaCl molten salts involving NaF, KF and LiF at 1033 K and the extent of the separation of various components was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) respectively. The results indicated that various components of the composite specimens were eliminated from these composites by being transferred into molten salts. The extent of elimination of carbide and nitride components was different from oxide components, such as Al2O3.