Recyclability of aluminium piston alloy

Abstract

One of the most recycled and recyclable materials now in use is aluminium. Frequently, aluminium cans, automobile components, and window frames are recycled back into itself. A vital component of the contemporary aluminium industry is recycling. Recycled aluminium production uses only around 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium, resulting in lower carbon emissions and cost savings for both corporations and end users. As a result, today's use of roughly 75% of all aluminum created throughout history. Recycling rates for aluminium exceed 90% in the majority of industrial sectors, including the construction and automobile industries. Every year, the United States saves more than 90 million barrels of oil equivalent through industry recycling. Capability to re-melting aluminium alloys scrap without losing its alloying elements and finding optimum pouring temperature are the purpose of this paper, and the results will determine the possibility of reusing piston alloy to make components similar to those they were recycled from. Automotive cast aluminium scrap obtained from pistons were used as experimental specimens, which were melted via an electrical furnace then poured at four different temperatures, namely 680, 720, 760, and 800 °C into a strip fluidity steel mould. The chemical composition of the four specimens were examined using spark emission spectrometer and the length of melted metal that flowed through the mould strips was measured as well to determine fluidity. Also, an optical microscope was used to detect microstructure defects. The chemical composition ratios of alloying elements before and after recycling showed that the resulting alloys could be closely equivalent to the commercial alloy that was originally used to make the components. In addition, the higher the pouring temperature the greater the casting fluidity. Generally, the consumed aluminium piston alloy can be re-melted and used to produce many parts.