RESEARCHERS AT MICHIGAN TECH STUDY WAYS TO RECYCLE ALUMINUM WASTES
By Ember Sullivan
HOUGHTON, MI--Researchers at Michigan Tech are developing ways to recycle
aluminum wastes to create commercially valuable products.
The project is directed by Dr. Jiann-Yang (Jim) Hwang and funded by the
Department of Energy as well as aluminum and recycling companies such
as Custom Alloys, TST Corporation and IMCO Recycling (the worlds largest
aluminum recycler). The goal is to develop the technology to utilize aluminum
wastes, giving them economical value for reuse, and ultimately enhancing
the bottom line of the aluminum industry.
"Many people think that recycling is merely collecting reusable material,
but it is not that simple," said Hwang. "We're developing technologies
that do the actual separation of aluminum wastes into product forms that
can be sold."
Hwang explained that aluminum, in its chemical form, is more valuable
than in its mass form.
"Mass aluminum sells for about 60 cents per pound, but the value of a
chemical form of aluminum is between one and two dollars," he said. "Our
focus is to give the material its greatest economical value."
One major thrust of the research is combining the chemical form of aluminum
with concrete. This compound forms a lightweight, porous substance that
can be used for masonry block, flowable fill, and backfill for mines.
The foam-like substance has many advantages over conventional materials
with the major advantage of producing more volume with less mass, which
corresponds to lower cost per volume benefits, according to Hwang.
"The material is less expensive to move from place to place because it
is lightweight," he said. "It can also increase production because the
labor used to transport it and set it is much less than that of heavier
materials."
Hwang also stressed that masonry blocks made from this substance are
also practical because their porosity is a natural insulator and absorbs
sound.
The $2 million, four year project is funded by a $1.2 million grant from
the Department of Energy; industry partners provide $800,000 in funds.
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10/19/00-MTN380
