Search results for "Recycling"
showing 10 items of 207 documents
Genetic determinants of seed protein plasticity in response to the environment in Medicago truncatula
2021
As the frequency of extreme environmental events is expected to increase with climate change, identifying candidate genes for stabilizing the protein composition of legume seeds or optimizing this in a given environment is increasingly important. To elucidate the genetic determinants of seed protein plasticity, major seed proteins from 200 ecotypes of Medicago truncatula grown in four contrasting environments were quantified after one-dimensional electrophoresis. The plasticity index of these proteins was recorded for each genotype as the slope of Finlay and Wilkinson's regression and then used for genome-wide association studies (GWASs), enabling the identification of candidate genes for d…
New frontiers from removal to recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater in the Circular Economy
2020
[EN] Nutrient recovery technologies are rapidly expanding due to the need for the appropriate recycling of key elements from waste resources in order to move towards a truly sustainable modern society based on the Circular Economy. Nutrient recycling is a promising strategy for reducing the depletion of non-renewable resources and the environmental impact linked to their extraction and manufacture. However, nutrient recovery technologies are not yet fully mature, as further research is needed to optimize process efficiency and enhance their commercial applicability. This paper reviews state-of-the-art of nutrient recovery, focusing on frontier technological advances and economic and environ…
Evaluating the material resource efficiency of secondary aluminium production: A Monte Carlo-based decision-support tool
2019
The contamination of aluminium streams during the different life cycle stages by alloy mixing and/or accumulation of foreign elements, in combination with the limited melt purification options during remelting, represents an important limiting factor in recycling. Consequently, in secondary aluminium production, primary aluminium is used to dilute the concentration of the residual elements, and alloying elements are added to adjust the composition to the target alloy specifications. However, adding elements, for which their refinement in a subsequent recycling step is problematic, results in permanent down-cycling or ‘quality losses’. Hence, it is crucial to more efficiently control the com…
Energy demand reduction of aluminum alloys recycling through friction stir extrusion processes implementation
2019
Abstract Aluminum alloys are characterized by high-energy demands for primary production. Recycling is a well-documented strategy to lower the environmental impact of light alloys production. Despite that, conventional recycling processes are still energy-intensive with a low energy efficiency. Also, permanent material losses occur during remelting because of oxidation. Recently, several solid-state recycling approaches have been analyzed; in fact, by avoiding the remelting step both energy and material can be saved and, therefore, the embodied energy of secondary production can be substantially reduced. In this paper, the solid-state approach Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE) is analyzed for a…
On the impact of recycling strategies on energy demand and CO2 emissions when manufacturing Al-based components
2016
Abstract The industrial world is facing the challenge of reducing emissions by means of energy- and resource-efficient manufacturing strategies. In some cases, the exerted emissions and the energy demands related to conventional manufacturing processes are not as intensive as those required to extract and produce the raw materials of which the workpieces are made. Therefore, the consciousness of the impact of material usage and the eco-informed choice of the end-of-life scenarios are both needed in view of sustainable development. Aim of this paper is to offer a contribution to a better understanding of the environmental impact of forming and machining processes, for the production of Al-ba…
Process mechanics in Friction Stir Extrusion of magnesium alloys chips through experiments and numerical simulation
2017
Abstract Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE) is a novel process designed to directly recycle machining chips. An experimental campaign was carried out on AZ31 milling chips using variations in extrusion ratio, force and tool rotation rate. The process mechanics were studied and correlated to the material flow, which was elucidated through use of a copper marker. A 3D, Lagrangian, thermo-mechanically coupled dedicated numerical model was set up and validated through temperature measurements. The combination of experimental and numerical results permitted to reconstruct the complex 3D material flow induced by tool rotation and plunge into the extrusion billet chamber.
A numerical model for Wire integrity prediction in Friction Stir Extrusion of magnesium alloys
2017
Abstract A numerical model for the prediction of the wire quality produced by the novel direct machining chip recycling technique known as Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE) is presented. Wire microstructure and wire integrity have been predicted by embedding in the code the equations enabling the calculation of the Zener-Hollomon parameter as well as the W parameter of the Pivnik-Plata solid bonding criterion. The proposed model, developed for the AZ31 magnesium alloy using the commercial simulation package DEFORM, is 3D Lagrangian, thermo-mechanically coupled with visco-plastic material behavior. The model was first validated against experimental temperature measurements and then used to predi…
Influence of processing parameters and initial temper on Friction Stir Extrusion of 2050 aluminum alloy
2017
Abstract Friction Stir Extrusion is an innovative production technology that enables direct wire production via consolidation and extrusion of metal chips or solid billets. During the process, a rotating die is plunged into a cylindrical chamber containing the material to be extruded. The stirring action of the tool produces plastic flow in the extrusion chamber, densifying and heating the charge so that finally, fully dense rods are extruded. Experiments have been carried out in order to investigate the influence of process parameters and initial temper of the base material on the process variables and on the extrudates’ mechanical properties.
Design of continuous Friction Stir Extrusion machines for metal chip recycling: issues and difficulties
2018
Abstract Friction Stir Extrusion is an innovative direct-recycling technology developed for metal machining chips. During the process, a rotating die is plunged into a cylindrical chamber containing the material to be recycled. The stirring action of the die prompts solid bonding phenomena allowing the back extrusion of a full dense rod. One of the main weakness of this technology is the discontinuity of the process itself that limits the extrudates volume to the capacity of the chamber. In order to overcome that limitation, a dedicated extrusion fixture has to be developed, keeping into account the concurrent needs of a continuous machine. The geometry of the die has to ensure proper press…
AZ31 magnesium alloy recycling through friction stir extrusion process
2015
Friction Stir Extrusion is a novel technique for direct recycling of metal scrap. In the process, a dedicated tool produces both the heat and the pressure to compact and extrude the original raw material, i.e., machining chip, as a consolidated component. A proper fixture was used to carry out an experimental campaign on Friction Stir Extrusion of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Variable tool rotation and extrusion ratio were considered. Appearance of defects and fractures was related to either too high or too low power input. The extruded rods were investigated both from the metallurgical and mechanical points of view. Tensile strength up to 80 % of the parent material was found for the best combina…