Utillization of automobile shredder residue (ASR) as a reducing agent for the recovery of black copper

The physicochemical characteristics of automobile shredder residue (ASR) and its melting slag were investigated: In particular, the applicability of ASR as a reducing agent to the black copper recovery process. ASR is classified into three types after the shredding process: heavy fluff, light fluff and glass and soil. In this study, the portions of heavy fluff, light fluff and glass and soil in the ASR were 89.2 wt%, 8.1 wt% and 2.7 wt%, respectively. Physicochemical analysis revealed that moisture and fixed carbon content were low in heavy and light fluffs, and combustible content was the highest. The higher heating value (HHV) of light fluff was 6,607 kcal/kg, and the HHV of heavy fluff was 5,312 kcal/kg. To sum up, the separation of black copper and discard slag mostly seems to be affected by the melting temperature. Therefore, if basicity and melting temperature are properly controlled, the ASR can be used as a reducing agent in the smelting process of black copper recovery. Moreover, the possibility of black copper recovery from ASR and heavy metal poisoning is evaluated.