Economía circular para la recuperación de cobre de los lodos que genera el proceso de desgrabado de cilindros de la empresa SIGMAPLAST

Abstract

Metal recovery processes through chemical treatments reduce the use of raw materials, cost savings, and a lower impact on the environment. In this work, the process of recovering copper from a sample of residual sludge from preparing cylinders of the Sigmaplast Company is analyzed, measured, and evaluated. The experimental study began with data from the characterization of these residues, which recorded a concentration of 62% Cu and less than 1% of other metals (Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn). An acid digestion chemical treatment was applied using nitric acid (HNO3) for the production of hexahydrated copper nitrate crystals (Cu(NO3)2.6H2O), which can reuse in the copper plating process applying the principles of a circular economy. A yield of 58.17% in copper recovery was obtained from the process, substantially reducing the volume of waste for the company, which entails significant economic and environmental benefits.