Production of copper powder from electrolysis waste products

In the context of increasing waste management and recycling demands, this study aimed to enhance the recovery of copper powder from electrolysis waste products. The methodology included the development of a technology for the comminution of waste powder, alongside a comparative analysis of the structure and properties of electrolytic copper powder before and after ultrasonic dispersion treatment. The researchers defined a specific maximum hydrostatic pressure in the ultrasonic generator chamber, which was essential for achieving optimal erosion activity of the acoustic field. Results indicated that utilizing the defined conditions resulted in a significant increase in the dispersity of copper powder, confirming the efficiency of the ultrasonic dispersion technique. Importantly, the study reported that the optimized electrolysis process and subsequent ultrasonic treatment led to a reduction in material loss during production by approximately 30%, while maintaining high quality in the resultant copper powder. The findings ultimately suggest that the proposed recycling technology contributes to more sustainable practices in copper production, highlighting the importance of refining manufacturing processes to minimize waste.