VATIS UPDATE Article

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Project Group for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS, Germany, have developed a method to mechanically separate LEDs that could expedite processes to recycle them. The researchers adapted their experimental mechanical separation setup for use on retrofit LED lamps. However, they said the method works in principle also for other sizes, such as for LEDs from television sets or from automobile headlights, as well as from other electronic products.

To break the LED lamps into their component parts without destroying the LEDs themselves, the researchers used a process called “electrohydraulic comminution.” They separated the components at their predetermined break points with the help of shock waves created by electrical impulses in a water bath. They are continuing to test whether the comminution process can be repeated until the desired materials have been separated. The group is able to adjust parameters of the setup such as type and quantity of fluid, container size and electric pulse voltage so that separation occurs precisely at the specified break points. The researchers expect that the electrohydraulic comminution process could be used in other LED application areas following further study and improvement.