Short-loop recycling of elevator motor magnets by hydrogen decrepitation and FAST sintering

Abstract

The increasing demand for permanent magnets based on Rare Earths (RE) in Europe, driven by the electrification of mobility and the growth of renewable energy technologies, poses significant supply risks due to the dependence on imports from China. With less than 1% of RE magnets recycled in the EU and no established remanufacturing value chain, there is a pressing need to enhance strategic autonomy in REs. The European Union’s commitment to a circular economy requires innovative solutions to address this complex challenge. This work presents a short-loop recycling process for RE magnets, where magnets are converted into powder through hydrogen decrepitation and subsequently re-converted into new magnets through FAST sintering. This innovative approach enables the recovery of high-quality RE magnets, reducing waste and the demand for primary materials. The process is demonstrated through a case study on elevator motors, a key application where RE magnets play a critical role.