Ex-ante LCA of magnet recycling: Progressing towards sustainable industrial-scale technology

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142453
• Publication Date: 2024-05-06T06:32:05Z
• Authors: Sander S. van Nielen; Brenda Miranda Xi...; Arnold Tukker; René Kleijn
• Keywords: Neodymium magnet; Remanufacturing

To alleviate the pressure on rare earth supply chain, new technologies are under development for recovering, recycling and remanufacturing NdFeB magnets. In this study, anticipated environmental performance of large-scale is investigated compared to production primary do so, ex-ante life cycle assessment combines input from measurements pilot processes, expert technology forecasts, thermodynamic modelling, equipment data manufacturers. We examined effect four developments: process changes, size scaling, internal recycling, optimization. The results show that at scale, recovered powders have lower impacts than almost all impact categories. This demonstrates recovery alloys environmentally beneficial. Magnets over 80% magnets in most categories analyzed. All types contributed improved performance. final configuration was validated by comparison with an industrial reference theoretical optimum configuration. Four magnet manufacturing routes (sintering, extrusion, metal injection molding, bonding) distinct profiles, but can progress similarly low levels impact. choice among should be primarily based functional requirements.