Microwave Plasma Assisted Metal Separation for Recycling in Zero Gravity

Recycling of materials is needed to reduce the logistical constraints and enhance the capabilities of deep space missions. Recycling of polymers has been shown successfully in zero gravity but there are no current techniques available for metal recycling. Current terrestrial methods for metal recycling are difficult to adopt to intravehicular (IVA) and extravehicular (EVA) environments.Microtech Energy proposes to use microwave plasma technology to design and develop a metal recycling process for zero gravity environment. The proposed recycling process would be able to separate multiple aerospace grade metals/alloys (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, etc.) by melting in both IVA and EVA environments. The plasma, acting as an efficient microwave absorber, provides rapid heating of the target as well as high temperature capability. This recycling process is also expected to be clean.