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The recycling and reclamation of metal-matrix composites

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Abstract

The development of viable techniques for the recycling and reclamation of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) is critical to the commercialization of these advanced materials. The recycling of both MMC wrought alloy (6061) scrap and foundry alloy (high-silicon) returns has been studied. The MMC extrusion alloy scrap has been recycled back into direct-chill cast logs and the resulting billet has been tested to determine whether the composite properties are degraded by repeated recycling. Similarly, fluxing and degassing techniques have been developed so that MMC foundry alloy gates and risers produced in shape-casting may be recycled back into useful castings. These fluxing and degassing processes have been tested commercially. Ultimately, when either type of MMC scrap can no longer be recycled, the alumina particles in the wrought alloys or the silicon carbide particles in the foundry alloys may be removed by common salt or other fluxing techniques. Rotary salt furnace technology has been shown to be effective for this approach, and the results of large-scale trials are reported here.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duralcan USA, San Diego, California, USA

    David M. Schuster Ph.D. (vice president, technology and operations), Michael D. Skibo Ph.D. (vice president, technology development) & Richard S. Bruski B.S. (director of process development)

  2. Alcan’s Arvida Research and Development Centre, Jonquière, Canada

    Robert Provencher Ph.D. (program leader of the Duralcan project) & Gaston Riverin B.Eng. (development engineer for the Fabrication Group)

Authors
  1. David M. Schuster Ph.D.
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  2. Michael D. Skibo Ph.D.
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  3. Richard S. Bruski B.S.
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  4. Robert Provencher Ph.D.
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  5. Gaston Riverin B.Eng.
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Schuster, D.M., Skibo, M.D., Bruski, R.S. et al. The recycling and reclamation of metal-matrix composites. JOM 45, 26–30 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03223214

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