Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Although recycling secondary aluminum can lead to energy consumption reduction compared to primary aluminum manufacturing, products produced by traditional melt-based recycling processes are inherently limited in terms of alloy composition and microstructure, and thus final properties. To overcome the constraints associated with melting, we have developed a solid-phase recycling and simultaneous alloying method. This innovative process enables the alloying of 6063 aluminum scrap with copper, zinc, and magnesium to form a nanocluster-strengthened high-performance aluminum alloy with a composition and properties akin to 7075 aluminum alloy. The unique nanostructure with a high density of Guinier-Preston zones and uniformly precipitated nanoscale η‘/Mg(CuZn) 2 strengthening phases enhances both yield and ultimate tensile strength by >200%. By delivering high-performance products from scrap that are not just recycled but upcycled , this scalable manufacturing approach provides a model for metal reuse, with the option for on-demand upcycling of a variety of metallic materials from scrap sources.
Source: Nature Communications
Authors: Tianhao Wang, Xiao Li, Zehao Li, Tingkun Liu, Xiang Wang, Arun Devaraj, Cindy A. Powell, Jorge F. dos Santos
Institution: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,790
OpenAlex ID: W4405239545