Feasibility of recycling flexibile ferrite magnets 1

[biggus]

Hello,

I have been doing some research into this but feel I have still got a lot to learn. I have a source of flexible ferrite magnets which are currently being sent to landfill.

I have been thinking about how it might be possible to either recover a usable ferrite powder, or to remelt and re-use the plastic/ferrite composite.

I have considered solvents to remove the polymer, but there may be problems with different polymers being used in my feed material, I need to find out more.

What is the most common polymer used? Is it PVC, CPE, or something else? So far, the magnets I have tested have had either a CPE or PVC matrix, but I don't know which for sure as I used the Belstein test for halides which I guess would get a response from both?

I have also considered pyrolysis or combustion to remove the polymer but am worried about:

a)any permanent effect of temperature on the magnetic properties of the material

b)the effect of any residues of combustion on magnetic or mechanical properties in which the recovered ferrite powder might be used.

Also, are there any companies in the UK or europe which produce flexible magnets either from imported plastic pellets or from ferrite powder and fresh polymer?

Any information on any of the above would be great. Thanks!

 

[MagMike]

There are lots of options for binder materials for flexible ferrite materials: Nylon, PPS, Polyamide, etc. The binder material is usually tailored for a particular application. I'm not aware of anyone using recycled material for production of flexible ferrite material. The stuff is so cheap and the source of ferrite magnet material is plentiful, I don't think it'll be cost effective to try & recycle.

Pyrolysis or combustion will have minimal effects on the magnetic properties. The basic magnet material is iron oxide. Any residues of combustion will just have a dilution effect.