The Effects of Process Parameters on the Recycling Efficiency of Used Aluminium Beverage Cans (UBCs)

Abstract In this paper, the effects of process parameters on the recycling efficiency of used aluminium beverage cans (UBCs) were investigated. In the experimental studies, separated internal workshop scraps and used aluminium beverage cans are used as charge materials for melting process. Aluminium beverage cans are thin walled parts and produced with high Mg content aluminium alloys. Thus its high oxidation affinity reduces recycling efficiency of the cans. Used can pieces were pressed to obtain briquettes for charging. To increase the recycling efficiency and to optimize the process conditions, preheating, pre-charging, and fluxing were applied. The optimum parameters that provide the maximum recycling efficiency were determined. Chemical analyses and tensile tests were carried out with the resulting as cast samples.