The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has initiated a step forward in the green industry through the development of waste recycling technology. This latest innovation successfully converts solid waste from nickel processing and palm kernel shell biomass into highly useful iron alloy powder. This strategic move is expected to accelerate the implementation of the circular economy while minimizing the environmental impact of mining and plantation activities.
This cutting-edge research began with a technology audit conducted by BRIN's research team in the nickel processing industry sector from 2019 to 2020. The evaluation results revealed that the nickel hydrometallurgical process leaves a massive amount of solid residue that has not been optimally utilized. In fact, every single ton of extracted nickel ore produces about 1.5 tons of waste sludge with an iron content of up to 40 percent.
To transform this hidden potential into value-added products, researchers utilized palm kernel shell charcoal as a natural reducing agent (reductant). Nur Ikhwani, a researcher at BRIN's Mineral Technology Research Center, explained that the use of palm oil biomass is a key factor in producing more environmentally friendly advanced materials, while also reducing the industry's dependence on coal.
The application of this new method is not only environmentally friendly, but also significantly reduces energy consumption. The operating temperature of the reduction process was successfully lowered from 1,380 degrees Celsius to 1,200 degrees Celsius. This thermal efficiency automatically cuts production costs and produces a precisely sized iron alloy powder of about 50 microns, ready to be absorbed by the manufacturing and powder metallurgy industries.
Another advantage of BRIN's innovation lies in its ability to produce iron alloy powder directly without going through the sponge iron or pig iron phases of conventional methods. Moving forward, the research focus will be directed toward methods for reducing sulfur content through physical and biological approaches. Close collaboration with the private sector is currently being explored to accelerate the downstreaming and commercialization of this technology in the domestic market.
