A novel powder metallurgy-based method for the recycling of aluminium adapted to a Small Island Developing States in the Pacific
Résumé
In this paper, the current and future state of Fiji's scrap metal industry is presented. It discusses the short comings of the current method, casting in the recycling of light weight and low volume scrap aluminium. Thereafter, a novel method of recycling aluminium in Fiji, commonly known as powder metallurgy is presented. It involves converting solid billets of metals into powder and then pressing it into usable products. Waste reduction and recycling at source and higher flexibility for production are few of the advantages of the powder metallurgy process. The properties of the recycled parts manufactured using powder metallurgy make them competitive with raw materials for some non-industry based applications. The paper then presents two models that could make the process functional in the Pacific SIDS and yield maximum environmental and economical benefits.