This research experimented with different aluminum can casting compositions from recycled materials. The objective was to analyze the casting yield and the resulting chemical compositions of the process. In the first process, 20 kg of aluminum cans was melted, resulting in a 10.2 kg ingot, which presented a 51% yield. In the second process, 10 kg of 6063 T6 aluminum was used and 10.2 kg of the first casting was added. This mixture produced an ingot of 50% recycled aluminum and 50% 6063 aluminum that weighed 18.23 kg. Similarly, a second ingot was produced, but with the addition of 4 wt% of rice husk ash and 2 wt% of magnesium. From each ingot, the samples were removed for chemical analyses, which consisted of tests of the samples that had the incorporation of rice husk ash in the molten aluminum. These analyses included scanning by electron microscopy, density analysis, Brinell hardness, and Charpy impact force tests. The results of the second ingot analysis showed superior characteristics in Si and Mg levels due to the addition of rice husk ash and magnesium. Also, the second ingot presented increased hardness as well as a reduction fragility and density.

This review aims to carry out a scientific review of the current status of aluminum can recycling processes over the last 15 years, seeking to find sustainable applications for its destination. Thus, the research topics were defined by the identification of the structure of the scientific field of research and the relationship of aluminum recycling, casting processes, and formation of aluminum-based alloys, as well as their applications. Therefore, three topics were studied: the state of the art of aluminum recycling practices; processes being performed and aluminum casting techniques and methods; and the current state of formation of secondary aluminum-based alloys, the alloy elements being used, and their applications after the formation of alloys. Based on the above three topics, the research topics include (A) aluminum recycling, (B) casting processes, and (C) the formation of aluminum-based alloys and their applications. For bibliometric analysis, the software SciMAT was applied. Through the overlaid map and the evolution map, it was possible to detect the temporal evolution of the scientific field in the researched area. Cluster analysis allowed us to identify the motor words. Through the connections network, keywords connected to the motor themes were verified that indicated the connection areas of the research field and the main authors. The simulation models were factors of innovation in the area, as well as the software packages ANSYS and ProCAST. In the area of alloy formation, the liquid metal cleaning analyzer technique was highlighted in the production of high-quality alloys. The important connections to aluminum recycling feasibility are presented in this review.The contributing editor for this article was Hojong Kim.

This research presents a methodology for the recycling process via casting, in which aluminum cans and primary (commercial) aluminum are transformed into a laminated tape, with the possibility of industrial application. This research was classified as bibliographic, exploratory, and experimental, since it used qualitative techniques to evaluate alternative materials. Its objective was to incorporate materials of different properties that could favor the making of a tape to be laminated. In the first casting, a recycled aluminum ingot was formed only with aluminum from beverage cans and had a material yield of 51%. In a second casting, commercial aluminum was added to the recycled aluminum ingot. After the casting process with the two cast materials, the ingot had a yield of 90%. A third casting was conducted together with the aluminum that was already formed by the ingot (50% recycled and 50% commercial). The purpose of this ingot was to incorporate other materials that could provide some characteristics, such as malleability and conductivity. The third casting was made from the second ingot, and incorporated copper and magnesium. For the design of the laminated tape, a cast was made to receive the molten aluminum from the third casting. The aluminum was cast into this mold and three tapes were produced, one with a thickness of 2 mm, another with a thickness of 3 mm and the last with a thickness of 4 mm. With these tapes, the objective was to laminate them in order to reduce their thickness to values ​​close to 0.5 mm. The casting process of aluminum cans with the addition of commercial aluminum, plus the incorporation of copper and magnesium, demonstrated facilities for thickness reduction in the process of making laminated tapes.

This research presents a methodology for the recycling process via casting, in which aluminum cans and primary aluminum are transformed into a laminated tape, with the possibility of industrial application. Its objective was to incorporate materials of different properties that could favor the making of a laminated tape.