The aluminum industry’s focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility has led to increased interest in dross recovery and reutilization. Let’s delve into the world of aluminum dross and explore its significance:

• What is Aluminum Dross?
  • Aluminum dross is a byproduct formed during the melting and processing of aluminum.
  • When aluminum is in a molten state and undergoes oxidation, a skin-like layer appears on the surface, which we refer to as dross.
• Types of Aluminum Dross:
  • Primary Al Dross (PAD): Produced when virgin or primary aluminum is melted. It typically contains between 15% and 75% metallic aluminum and less than 5% salts.
  • Secondary Al Dross (SAD): Generated when aluminum scrap undergoes the melting process. SAD exhibits an aluminum content ranging from 5% to 20% of the total weight percentage of secondary dross.
  • The composition of dross varies significantly based on process conditions. White dross (PAD) contains metallic aluminum, Al₂O₃, fluorides, and nitrides. Black dross (SAD) comprises Al₂O₃, aluminum, nitrides, fluorides, salts, and rare earth metals.
• Importance of Dross Recycling:
  • Dross recycling is economically advantageous and yields products with added value.
  • Landfilling dross is harmful to the environment and human health.
  • Recycling dross contributes to mitigating energy concerns and environmental challenges.
• Methods for Extracting Alumina from Dross:
  • Plasma Dross Processing: A method critically examined for extracting alumina from dross.
  • Acidic and Alkaline Leaching: Other processes used for alumina extraction.
• Applications of Aluminum Dross:
  • Hydrogen Production: Dross can be used in hydrogen production as a renewable energy source.
  • Manufacture of Refractories, Composites, and Ceramics: Dross finds applications in these industries.
  • Reductants, Catalysts, and Absorption Agents: Its multi-utility advantages make it valuable.
  • Construction Materials: Dross provides greater strength, thermal insulation, and reduced water absorption, making it desirable in construction.