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Upcycling Anodic Sludge from Aluminum Anodizing: Leaching Efficiency and Thermal Conversion into Refractory Materials

Author

Listed:
  • Fausto Acosta

    (Department of Extractive Metallurgy, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Cristhian Feijoo

    (Instituto de Investigación Geológico y Energético (IIGE), Quito 170518, Ecuador)

  • Alfredo S. Sangurima-Cedillo

    (Department of Extractive Metallurgy, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Alicia Guevara

    (Department of Extractive Metallurgy, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Carlos F. Aragón-Tobar

    (Department of Extractive Metallurgy, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

Abstract

Anodic sludges generated in the production of aluminum profiles pose both an environmental and economic problem due to their accumulation in municipal landfills. This study investigates their valorization as a raw material for industry through leaching and calcination processes. The solid residue was characterized both physically and chemically. In the leaching process, concentrations of NaOH (1–2.5 M) and solid percentages (10–30%) were evaluated, achieving a 93.7% recovery of aluminum as sodium aluminate with 2 M NaOH and 10% solids. In the calcination process, the sludges were treated at temperatures ranging from 200 to 1600 °C, and different particle sizes (−3 + 1 mm, −1000 + 400 μm, −400 + 200 μm). The best result from calcination was obtained at 1600 °C, producing a refractory material composed of corundum (α-Al 2 O 3 ) and diaoyudaoite (NaAl 11 O 17 ).

Suggested Citation

  • Fausto Acosta & Cristhian Feijoo & Alfredo S. Sangurima-Cedillo & Alicia Guevara & Carlos F. Aragón-Tobar, 2025. "Upcycling Anodic Sludge from Aluminum Anodizing: Leaching Efficiency and Thermal Conversion into Refractory Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8491-:d:1755054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kyösti Rajaniemi & Sari Tuomikoski & Ulla Lassi, 2021. "Electrocoagulation Sludge Valorization—A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
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