About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Alloys: Development and Manufacturing
|
| Presentation Title |
Upcycling of Post-Consumer Scrap into Wrought Aluminum Alloys: Technological Challenges and Economic Viability |
| Author(s) |
Varuzan M. Kevorkijan |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Varuzan M. Kevorkijan |
| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the technological and economic challenges of upcycling post-consumer scrap into wrought aluminum alloys. A key obstacle is achieving the required melt composition due to impurities and tramp elements in mixed scrap. While single-alloy scrap can meet quality standards, its cost significantly impacts economic feasibility. In an industrial trial, 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx aluminum alloys were produced using (i) single-alloy post-consumer scrap and (ii) certified low-carbon primary aluminum. The resulting billets were cast, extruded, and analyzed. Alloys made from upcycled scrap were 10–20% more expensive and showed 5–15% lower mechanical properties compared to those made from green primary aluminum. Process modifications were tested to reduce costs. The findings suggest that, despite environmental benefits, upcycled aluminum alloys are currently not cost-competitive. A 20% cost reduction and further process innovation are needed to enable broader industrial adoption. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Characterization |