Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.35, No.9, 925-930, 2005
Recovery of aluminum from oxide particles in aluminum dross using AlF3-NaF-BaCl2 molten salt
To recover aluminum from aluminum dross, a floating separation of aluminum alloy from the oxides and subsequent electrolysis of the oxides was carried out in a molten salt bath of 33 mol% AlF3, 51 mol% NaF and 16 mol% BaCl2. With A356.0 casting alloy dross, 83% of the aluminum alloy was recovered by the floating separation. A further 4% of metallic aluminum was recovered by electrolysis in the molten salt containing the oxides separated from the dross. The optimum current for continuous operation is discussed considering a balance between the electrowinning and dissolution rates.
Keywords:aluminum dross;electrolysis;electrowinning of aluminum;floating separation;molten salt recycling of aluminum dross