A novel powder metallurgy-based method for the recycling of aluminum adapted to a small island developing state in the Pacific.

Shivendra Kumar (1) , Fabrice Mathieux (2) , Godfrey Onwubolu (1) , Vineet Chandra (1)

1 University of the South Pacific
2 CREIDD - Centre de Recherches et d'Etudes Interdisciplinaires sur le Développement Durable

Special attention needs to be paid to waste management issues in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in order to prevent rapid overflowing of landfills by scrap metals. Scientific and technological tools are now slowly used to contribute towards sustainable development. In this paper, after discussing the current state of Fiji's scrap metal industry, the casting method which is currently used is discussed. To accommodate the recycling of light weight and low volume scrap aluminum, the application of the powder metallurgy process is proposed. Its methodology is discussed as an alternative to the conventional casting process given the local setting. Results in the latter sections show that low quantities of aluminum can be easily melted and processed for various applications. Waste reduction and recycling at source and higher flexibility for production are few of the advantages of the powder metallurgy process. The properties of the recycled parts make them competitive with raw materials for some non-industry based applications. The paper concludes by discussing areas in which more research will be carried out.

Mots clés: End-of-life products management; Aluminum; powder metallurgy; recycling technology; solid waste; SIDS (Small Island Developing States)

Domaines: Mécanique [physics.med-ph]

Shivendra Kumar, Fabrice Mathieux, Godfrey Onwubolu, Vineet Chandra. A novel powder metallurgy-based method for the recycling of aluminum adapted to a small island developing state in the Pacific.. International Journal of Environmentally Conscious Design & Manufacturing, 2007, 13 (3,4), pp.1-22. ⟨hal-00186366⟩