Abstract:
Post-consumer thermosets are difficult to recycle because, unlike thermoplastics, they cannot be remoulded to create other
items as a result of the extensive cross-linkages in their structure. The increased production of thermoset blends and composites
in recent years has greatly increased the amount of waste materials. However, higher levels of carbon and hydrogen present in
thermosets make them a potential reductant in the iron extractive industries. In this research work, postconsumer thermoset
was transformed into carbon resource through a charring process. The resulting carbonaceous material from the thermoset was
used as reductant in the production of metallic iron from the Akpafu-Todzi iron ore and artisanal slag using the microwave
technology through the composite pellet approach at varying firing times. Analyses by XRF, XRD and SEM/EDS showed that
the Akpafu Todzi iron ore is comprised of the iron oxides hematite (Fe2O3) and wustite (Fe0.942O), while the artisanal slag was
predominantly fayalite (Fe2SiO4). Complete reduction of the ore was attained after 120 min reduction but the maximum extent
of reduction was 78.84% for the slag, demonstrating the potential of postconsumer thermosets to function effectively as a
reductant in the iron extractive industry
