An Experimental Approach Towards Sustainable Solution for Material Recycling of ELV Plastic Bumpers and EV Batteries

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">A general automotive car is majorly composed of high strength steel (6%), other steel (50%), Iron (15%), Plastics (7%), Aluminum (4%) and others (Rubber, Glass, Textile) about 18%. End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are a significant source of waste and pollution in the automotive industry.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Recycling ELVs, particularly their plastic components, Li-ion batteries, catalytic converters, and critical technology components such as alternators, semi-conductor chips, and high tensile strength steel can reduce their environmental impact and conserve valuable raw materials. The paper conducts a SWOT analysis and a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the long-term viability and potential of ELV recycling, environmental impact, and carbon footprint.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper examines the current state and challenges of ELV recycling in India and proposes a sustainable recycling solution for waste bumpers that includes paint removal, modification, reprocessing & recovery of precious metals from xEV Li-ion batteries.<ol class="list nostyle"><li class="list-item"><span class="li-label">i</span><div class="htmlview paragraph">Plastic recycling – Mainly PP from bumpers and other components.</div></li><li class="list-item"><span class="li-label">ii</span><div class="htmlview paragraph">Precious metals recovery – Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Mn etc.</div></li></ol></div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Based on pilot line experiment sustainable recycling solution was established and validated through lab testing to compare the changes in physical properties.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The paper also discusses the progress and challenges of achieving Carbon neutrality and circular economy objectives in the automotive industry and provides insights on sustainable material developments like e.g., long cellulose fiber reinforced thermoplastic for bumpers, reusability of raw materials in automobile parts manufacturing without compromising on quality requirements & provides data for rational decision-making and policy-making for ELV recycling in India.</div></div>