The method, presented in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, uses an innovative oxysulfide electrolyte to purify steel and remove copper and carbon impurities from molten metal. The process also produces liquid iron and sulfur as byproducts.
Traditional steel recycling methods involve using an electric arc furnace to melt scrap metal. However, it is difficult to physically separate copper materials from scrap before melting, resulting in copper being present in recycled steel.
The new method eliminates copper impurities to levels below 0.1% by weight, expanding the secondary steel market into higher quality products, including steel sheets for the automotive and transportation industries.
To implement the process, engineers created an electrochemical cell containing an electrolyte; this made it possible to successfully remove copper impurities from steel at temperatures as high as 1600 degrees Celsius.
Source: Ferra
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