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WO2025115231A1 - Method for separating and recovering rare earth constituent and metal constituent from unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing or from unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing - Google Patents

Method for separating and recovering rare earth constituent and metal constituent from unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing or from unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025115231A1
WO2025115231A1 PCT/JP2024/000872 JP2024000872W WO2025115231A1 WO 2025115231 A1 WO2025115231 A1 WO 2025115231A1 JP 2024000872 W JP2024000872 W JP 2024000872W WO 2025115231 A1 WO2025115231 A1 WO 2025115231A1
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Prior art keywords
powder
rare earth
degreasing
metal
components
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PCT/JP2024/000872
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
健一 山口
大介 濱田
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Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
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Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B1/00Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B23/00Obtaining nickel or cobalt
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B3/00Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
    • C22B3/04Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
    • C22B3/06Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic acid solutions, e.g. with acids generated in situ; in inorganic salt solutions other than ammonium salt solutions
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B59/00Obtaining rare earth metals
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B7/00Working up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals and compounds thereof; Methods of a general interest or applied to the winning of more than two metals
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B7/00Working up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals and compounds thereof; Methods of a general interest or applied to the winning of more than two metals
    • C22B7/02Working-up flue dust
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02PCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P10/00Technologies related to metal processing
    • Y02P10/20Recycling

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing, which is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.
  • a multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a laminate having an internal electrode layer and a ceramic layer, and an external electrode.
  • the internal electrode layer contains a metal component such as Ni, and the ceramic layer is formed of BaTiO 3 , etc.
  • Patent documents 1 to 4 disclose a method for recovering Ni, which is mainly used in the internal electrode layer, and also disclose that BaTiO 3 contained in the ceramic layer is separated in the process of recovering Ni.
  • Patent documents 1 to 4 disclose the recovery of Ni, but do not disclose the recovery of rare earth components. However, it is desirable to be able to recover not only metal components such as Ni, but also rare earth components.
  • the main object of this invention is therefore to provide a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.
  • the method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing comprises the steps of: (A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, which contains a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, and in which the metal powder and the ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other; (B) A step of pulverizing the unburned waste before production and degreasing in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with a solvent; (C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste before degreasing after the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using
  • rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste before production and degreasing.
  • rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing.
  • the method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing comprises the steps of: (A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the resin component being degreased in the manufacturing process; (B) A step of finely grinding the unburned waste after production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry; (C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the degreasing process in the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using a magnet; (D) dissolving the
  • rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing.
  • This invention provides a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2.
  • 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated chip, the cross-sectional view being parallel to a plane including the length direction and the laminated direction.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion ⁇ in FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the state of various powders.
  • FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2.
  • 2 is a
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a separation and recovery method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing that is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that is produced and degreased in the manufacturing process and is prior to firing (firing of a laminated chip), according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • First Embodiment 1 Separation and Recovery Method A method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, will be described.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a separation and recovery method according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor.
  • unfired waste before firing firing of laminated chips
  • degreasing which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor
  • FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2.
  • a two-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor will be described as an example of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10.
  • the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped laminate 12 and external electrodes 30 arranged on both ends of the laminate 12.
  • the laminate 12 has a plurality of stacked ceramic layers 14 and a plurality of internal electrode layers 16 stacked on the ceramic layers 14. Furthermore, the laminate 12 has a first main surface 12a and a second main surface 12b that face each other in a height direction (stacking direction) x, a first side surface 12c and a second side surface 12d that face each other in a width direction y perpendicular to the height direction x, and a first end surface 12e and a second end surface 12f that face each other in a length direction z perpendicular to the height direction x and the width direction y.
  • the ceramic layers 14 and the internal electrode layers 16 are stacked in the height direction x.
  • the first internal electrode layer 16a and the second internal electrode layer 16b can be made of, for example, a conductive material containing a magnetic metal, and the magnetic metal can be a single metal or an alloy.
  • magnetic metals include Ni and Fe.
  • the ceramic layer 14 can be formed, for example, from a dielectric material as the ceramic material.
  • a dielectric material for example, a dielectric ceramic having a perovskite structure with a perovskite type compound containing components such as BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , or CaZrO 3 as the main component can be used.
  • a rare earth component is added to the dielectric material as an additive according to the desired characteristics of the laminate 12.
  • the rare earth component to be added for example, at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu can be mentioned.
  • the above-mentioned dielectric material may be used with the addition of a subcomponent, such as a Mn compound, an Fe compound, a Cr compound, a Co compound, or a Ni compound, which is contained in a smaller amount than the main component.
  • at least one of Si, Mg, Ba, and Mn may be added as an additive to the above-mentioned main components.
  • these minor components and additives may cause a deterioration in the quality of the rare earth components during separation and recovery of the rare earth components, these minor components and additives may be omitted.
  • external electrodes 30 are arranged on the first end face 12e side and the second end face 12f side of the laminate 12.
  • the external electrode 30 has a first external electrode 30a and a second external electrode 30b.
  • the first external electrode 30a is connected to the first internal electrode layer 16a and is disposed on at least the surface of the first end face 12e.
  • the second external electrode 30b is connected to the second internal electrode layer 16b and is disposed on at least the surface of the second end face 12f.
  • the external electrode 30 includes a base electrode layer 32 containing a metal component and a plating layer 34 disposed on the base electrode layer 32.
  • the first external electrode 30a includes a first base electrode layer 32a and a first plating layer 34a.
  • the second external electrode 30b includes a second base electrode layer 32b and a second plating layer 34b.
  • the base electrode layer 32 may be formed from a baking layer containing a glass component and a metal component.
  • the metal component of the baking layer may include at least one selected from Cu, Ni, Ag, Pd, Ag-Pd alloy, Au, etc.
  • the glass component of the baking layer may include an oxide containing at least one element selected from B, Si, Ba, Mg, Al, Li, etc.
  • the base electrode layer 32 may also be formed from a thermosetting resin and a conductive resin layer containing a metal component.
  • the metal contained in the conductive resin layer may be, for example, Ag, Cu, Ni, Sn, Bi, or an alloy containing these.
  • the thermosetting resin may be any of various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin and phenoxy resin.
  • the plating layer 34 includes, for example, at least one selected from Cu, Ni, Sn, Ag, Pd, Ag-Pd alloy, Au, etc.
  • Step 1 a dielectric sheet for the ceramic layer and a conductive paste for the internal electrode layer are prepared.
  • the dielectric sheet for the ceramic layer is formed from a dielectric slurry containing, but not limited to, BaTiO 3 as a main component and Dy as an additive.
  • the conductive paste for the internal electrode layer is formed from, but not limited to, Ni as a main component.
  • the dielectric sheet and the conductive paste for the internal electrode layer include a binder and a solvent.
  • the binder and the solvent are composed of a resin component, and various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, phenoxy resin, phenolic resin, urethane resin, and polyimide resin can be used as the resin component.
  • the resin component does not contain inorganic elements such as Si that are difficult to remove in degreasing (including degreasing such as manufacturing degreasing and recycling degreasing).
  • Step 2 a conductive paste for the internal electrode layers is printed in a predetermined pattern on the dielectric sheet, for example by screen printing or gravure printing. This prepares a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the first internal electrode layer is formed, and a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the second internal electrode layer is formed.
  • outer layer dielectric sheets that do not have the internal electrode layer pattern printed on them are also prepared.
  • a predetermined number of dielectric sheets for the outer layers, on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer is not printed, are stacked.
  • a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the first internal electrode layer is printed, and a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the second internal electrode layer is printed are stacked in order on top of the dielectric sheets to form an inner layer portion.
  • a predetermined number of dielectric sheets for the outer layers, on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer is not printed, are stacked on top of the inner layer portion.
  • the dielectric sheets are sometimes referred to as the ceramic layers when unfired, that is, the ceramic layers before the laminated chip is fired.
  • the pattern of the internal electrode layers is sometimes referred to as the internal electrode layers when unfired, that is, the internal electrode layers before the laminated chip is fired.
  • Step 3 the laminated sheet is pressed in the stacking direction using a means such as a hydrostatic press to produce a laminated block.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the laminated chip parallel to a plane including the length direction and the lamination direction.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the ⁇ portion of FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the state of various powders.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the laminated chip 12_U on which the external electrode 30 has not yet been formed.
  • the laminated chip 12_U in FIGS. 4 and 5 is in a state prior to the manufacturing degreasing step 5 and the firing of the laminated chip in step 6. However, the resin component contained in the laminated chip 12_U is not shown.
  • the laminated chip 12_U is formed by alternately stacking the unfired internal electrode layers 16_U and the unfired ceramic layers 14_U.
  • Step 5 Next, the resin components in the laminated chip 12_U are removed.
  • the removal of the resin components in step 5 is degreasing in the manufacturing process, and may be referred to as manufacturing degreasing.
  • the degreasing temperature in manufacturing degreasing is, for example, higher than 800° C. and lower than 1000° C.
  • Step 6 the laminated chip 12_U is fired to produce the laminate 12.
  • the firing temperature of the laminated chip 12_U depends on the materials of the ceramic layers and internal electrode layers, which are dielectrics, but is preferably higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C, for example.
  • Steps 1 to 6 are the laminate formation process. Note that hereinafter, the firing in step 6 may be referred to as firing the laminated chip. Furthermore, this firing fires the unfired internal electrode layer 16_U and the unfired ceramic layer 14_U, turning them into the internal electrode layer 16 and the ceramic layer 14.
  • Step 7 the paste for the base electrode layer is applied to the first and second end faces 12e, 12f of the laminate 12 and fired to form the base electrode layer 32 of the external electrode 30.
  • the firing temperature is preferably 700°C or higher and 900°C or lower.
  • a plating layer 34 is formed on the base electrode layer 32.
  • the plating layer 34 is formed, for example, by laminating a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer in this order on the base electrode layer 32.
  • the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is manufactured through the above-mentioned manufacturing process.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is waste that has not yet been degreased in (step 5) of the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 described above, and is waste before the firing of the laminated chip is performed in (step 6).
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is waste before (step 5) and (step 6).
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is excess laminated blocks such as scraps of laminated blocks that are discharged after the laminated blocks are cut in (step 4).
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is defective laminated chips after cutting in (step 4).
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer prepared in (step 2) is formed. It is preferable that the PET film is removed from the dielectric sheet. Also, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is defective laminated blocks such as those in which the lamination of each dielectric sheet is misaligned in (step 3).
  • the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing includes the dielectric slurry prepared in (step 1), unused conductive paste for the internal electrode layer, etc.
  • the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing is a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer prepared in (step 1) and (step 2) is not printed. It is preferable that the PET film is removed from the dielectric sheet.
  • the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing includes the dielectric slurry in (step 1), metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, resin component, etc. contained in the conductive paste for the internal electrode layer, or unused portions of at least a mixture of these.
  • the separation and recovery method in Fig. 1 includes a common separation and recovery route, a rare earth component separation and recovery route, and a metal component separation and recovery route.
  • the rare earth component separation and recovery route and the metal component separation and recovery route each branch off from the common separation and recovery route.
  • the common separation and recovery route includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), recycling and degreasing in step (E), micronization in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the process branches into a separation and recovery route for rare earth components and a separation and recovery route for metal components.
  • the separation and recovery route for rare earth components can include, for example, dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), and can further include filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G).
  • the separation and recovery route for metal components can include, for example, dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H), and can further include various treatments in step (I).
  • unfired waste before firing firing of laminated chips
  • degreasing which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor
  • the unfired waste before degreasing is as described above.
  • the unfired waste before degreasing contains metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and a resin component.
  • the metal powder mainly constitutes the internal electrode layer 16_U when unfired.
  • the ceramic powder mainly constitutes the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired.
  • Metal powder is, for example, an aggregate of metal atoms.
  • the metal powder can be made of a conductive material containing a magnetic metal, and the magnetic metal may be a single metal or an alloy.
  • magnetic metals include Ni and Fe.
  • metal powders can be manufactured by, for example, using a predetermined raw material by a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method, a PVD (physical vapor deposition) method, an atomization method, a chemical reduction method, etc. Then, metal powders having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the manufacturing conditions in various manufacturing methods of metal powders.
  • Patent No. 4280184 discloses a manufacturing method of Ni as metal powder by a CVD method. According to Patent No.
  • metal chlorides such as nickel chloride are heated and evaporated to generate metal chloride gas, and then the metal chloride gas is brought into contact with a reducing gas to cause a gas-phase chemical reaction, thereby manufacturing fine-particle nickel powder with an average particle size of about 5 ⁇ m.
  • Ceramic powder is an aggregate of dielectric materials.
  • dielectric materials include BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , and CaZrO 3 .
  • Ceramic powder can be produced by, but is not limited to, a solid-phase method, a sol-gel method, a hydrothermal method, and the like. Then, a ceramic powder having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the production conditions in various methods for producing ceramic powder.
  • BaTiO 3 which is an example of ceramic powder, can generally be obtained by reacting a titanium raw material such as titanium dioxide with a barium raw material such as barium carbonate to synthesize it.
  • Rare earth powder is a collection of rare earth atoms.
  • the rare earth atoms can be at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.
  • rare earth powder can be manufactured by spray pyrolysis, CVD, homogeneous precipitation, sol-gel method, reverse micelle method, hydrothermal synthesis, etc.
  • rare earth powder having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the manufacturing conditions in various manufacturing methods of rare earth powder.
  • Rare earth powder can also be manufactured by the manufacturing method of rare earth disclosed in Patent No. 5987778.
  • the ceramic powder includes a first ceramic powder and a second ceramic powder.
  • the second ceramic powder has a smaller particle size than the first ceramic powder.
  • the first ceramic powder mainly constitutes the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired.
  • the first ceramic powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 1 m 2 /g or more and 10 m 2 /g or less.
  • the second ceramic powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 10 m 2 /g or more and 100 m 2 /g or less.
  • the metal powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 1 m 2 /g or more and 10 m 2 /g or less.
  • the second ceramic powder functions as a co-material of the metal powder, so that the particle size is smaller than that of the metal powder. Therefore, the specific surface area is selected so that the second ceramic powder is larger than the metal powder.
  • the metal powder and the ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the metal powder, the first ceramic powder, the second ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are attached to each other.
  • the metal powder and ceramic powder are at least partially attached to each other, the ceramic powder and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other, the metal powder and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other, and the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other.
  • “attached” mainly means that the powders such as the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are not chemically bonded to each other.
  • the meaning of "attached” may also include that the powders such as the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are partially chemically bonded to each other.
  • the chemical bond is a bond in which multiple atoms are attracted to each other by positive and negative charges and are connected to each other, such as an ionic bond, a covalent bond, or a metallic bond.
  • the powder particles in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing are not basically chemically bonded to each other and are instead stuck together.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing is not degreased at the degreasing temperature in step 5 (higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C), and the laminated chips are not fired in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C).
  • the powder particles can be chemically bonded to each other when fired at the firing temperature in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C), but the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing does not go through step 6, so the powder particles are basically not chemically bonded to each other and are instead stuck together.
  • At least partially adhered to each other can be explained by taking the adhesion between a metal powder and a ceramic powder as an example, as follows.
  • a metal powder and a ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other, it is not necessary for all of the metal powder to adhere to the ceramic powder, as long as at least a portion of the metal powder adheres to the ceramic powder.
  • it is not necessary for all of the ceramic powder to adhere to the metal powder as long as at least a portion of the ceramic powder adheres to the metal powder.
  • the same can be said for other adhesions such as between ceramic powder and rare earth powder.
  • the unfired waste before degreasing in the present embodiment includes metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and resin component. More specifically, the unfired waste before degreasing in the present embodiment includes metal powder-containing material and rare earth powder-containing material.
  • metal powder-containing material refers to material containing metal powder and ceramic powder.
  • rare earth powder-containing material refers to material containing rare earth powder and ceramic powder.
  • metal powder-containing material refers to material containing metal powder and second ceramic powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • rare earth powder-containing material refers to material containing rare earth powder and first ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the resin components are binders and solvents for producing conductive pastes for the dielectric sheets and internal electrode layers.
  • the binders and solvents are composed of resin components, and various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, phenoxy resins, phenolic resins, urethane resins, and polyimide resins can be used as the resin components.
  • thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, phenoxy resins, phenolic resins, urethane resins, and polyimide resins
  • inorganic elements such as Si are difficult to remove even by degreasing (including degreasing in manufacturing degreasing, recycling degreasing, etc.), and these inorganic elements remain as contaminants in the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing, which adversely affects the separation and recovery of rare earth components and metal components. Therefore, it is preferable that the resin components do not contain inorganic elements such as Si that are difficult to remove in degreasing (including degreasing in manufacturing degreasing
  • the state of the powder in the laminated chip which is the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing, will be described with reference to FIG. 5.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing shown in FIG. 5 is waste before undergoing manufacturing and degreasing (step 5) and firing of the laminated chip (step 6).
  • the schematic diagram of FIG. 5 the state of various powders contained in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing is shown. Note that the resin component is omitted in FIG. 5.
  • the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired is mainly composed of the first ceramic powder (BT 1 in FIG. 5). And, in the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder (Dy in FIG.
  • the rare earth powder is mainly adhered to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and basically, the rare earth powder does not penetrate into the inside of the first ceramic powder and is not chemically bonded.
  • the unsintered internal electrode layer 16_U is mainly composed of metal powder (Ni in FIG. 5).
  • the metal powder and the second ceramic powder ( BT2 in FIG. 5) are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the second ceramic powder is mainly adhered to the surface of the metal powder, and the second ceramic powder is not basically infiltrated into the metal powder and chemically bonded thereto.
  • Step (E): Recycling Degreasing resin components are removed from the unburned waste before production degreasing.
  • the removal of resin components here is referred to as recycling degreasing.
  • Recycling degreasing is performed, for example, by degreasing the unburned waste before production degreasing at a predetermined degreasing temperature.
  • the degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is, for example, a temperature just before chemical bonding begins in at least one of metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder contained in the unburned waste before production degreasing.
  • the chemical bonding in firing the unburned waste before production degreasing includes, for example, chemical bonding between metal powder and ceramic powder, chemical bonding between ceramic powder and rare earth powder, chemical bonding between metal powder and rare earth powder, and chemical bonding between metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder.
  • the degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is preferably, for example, 600°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.
  • the degreasing time in recycling degreasing is preferably performed until the resin components are gone.
  • the degreasing time in the recycling degreasing depends on the amount of unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing, the degreasing temperature, etc., but is, for example, about 1 hour or more and about 24 hours or less.
  • the recycling degreasing is preferably carried out in a reducing atmosphere such as a nitrogen atmosphere or an atmosphere containing hydrogen and water.
  • Unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing contains resin components, which may hinder the separation of metal powder-containing materials and rare earth powder-containing materials in, for example, the magnetic separation in step (C). Therefore, in the above-mentioned step (E), recycling degreasing is performed to remove the resin components. Recycling degreasing is performed by degreasing unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing at, for example, a predetermined degreasing temperature.
  • the powders contained in the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing are chemically bonded to each other by this firing, it becomes difficult to separate the metal powder-containing materials and the rare earth powder-containing materials, and thus it becomes difficult to separate and recover the metal components and rare earth components.
  • the degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is set to a temperature just before chemical bonding begins in at least one of the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder contained in the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing. This makes it easier to separate the metal powder-containing materials and the rare earth powder-containing materials. This in turn makes it easier to separate and recover the metal components and rare earth components at a high quality.
  • the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing is set to 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower.
  • the lower limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing can be set in consideration of a temperature higher than the temperature at which the resin components in the unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing remain in an unburned state, etc.
  • the upper limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing can be set in consideration of the amount of electricity required to raise the temperature of the unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing to the upper limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing, the discharge standard into a river for the solution containing the resin components remaining after the recycling degreasing, etc.
  • step (B) the unfired waste before degreasing is pulverized.
  • the unfired waste before degreasing is pulverized by pulverizing.
  • the pulverization is performed, but not limited to, for example, by a method of applying a pulverizing force by vibration to the object using a vibration mill or the like, a method of grinding the object, a method of applying a pulverizing force by impact to the object, and the like.
  • the average particle size of the unfired waste before degreasing after pulverization is not limited.
  • the average particle size can be determined, for example, using a sieve.
  • the unburned waste after being pulverized in step (B) and before being degreased is magnetically separated using a magnet. That is, the waste is separated into a material containing metal powder and a material containing rare earth powder and then recovered.
  • the metal powder inclusion after magnetic separation mainly contains metal powder such as Ni (Ni of the metal powder inclusion in FIG. 1), which is the main component of the internal electrode layer. Ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 , specifically the second ceramic powder (BT 2 of the metal powder inclusion in FIG. 1) is attached to the surface of the metal powder in the metal powder inclusion.
  • the metal powder contains a magnetic metal.
  • the second ceramic powder is not magnetic.
  • the second ceramic powder may not necessarily be attached to the surface of the metal powder in the metal powder inclusion, or other powders may be attached to the surface of the metal powder.
  • other powders include the first ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and powders of additives other than ceramic and rare earth components (Mg, Mn, V, etc.).
  • This magnetic separation allows the metal powder-containing material to be separated and recovered as a metal component.
  • a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder such as Ni with a second ceramic powder BaTiO3 attached to its surface can be separated and recovered as a metal component.
  • the separation and recovery of a metal component includes not only the separation and recovery of the metal component itself, but also the separation and recovery of a metal powder-containing material as a metal component.
  • Metal components include metal atoms themselves, metal component compounds which are reactants of metal atoms chemically reacting with other atoms, solutions of metal atoms, solutions of metal component compounds, etc.
  • the state of the metal component may be any of a liquid state, a solid state, or a mixed state of liquid and solid.
  • the metal component may also be in any of an amorphous state, a crystalline state, or a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material after magnetic separation mainly contains ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 , which is the main component of the ceramic layer when unfired, specifically the first ceramic powder (BT 1 of the rare earth powder-containing material in FIG. 1).
  • Rare earth powder such as Dy (Dy of the rare earth powder-containing material in FIG. 1) is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder of this rare earth powder-containing material.
  • the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not magnetic. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are separated as non-magnetic materials by magnetic separation.
  • the rare earth powder is not necessarily attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material, and there are cases where other powders are attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder.
  • This magnetic separation allows the rare earth powder-containing material to be separated and recovered as a rare earth component.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material mainly containing a first ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 with a rare earth powder Dy attached to its surface can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component.
  • the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth powder-containing material as a rare earth component.
  • the rare earth component includes rare earth atoms themselves, rare earth component compounds which are products of chemical reactions of rare earth atoms with other atoms, solutions of rare earth atoms, solutions of rare earth component compounds, etc.
  • the rare earth component may be in a liquid state, a solid state, or a mixed state of liquid and solid.
  • the rare earth component may be in an amorphous state, a crystalline state, or a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.
  • organic solvents examples include alcohol-based organic solvents and hydrocarbon-based organic solvents.
  • methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or mixtures thereof can be used as the organic solvent.
  • the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material contained in the finely divided unburned waste before production and degreasing can be made to be in a dispersed state. Therefore, in step (C), the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material can be easily separated using a magnet.
  • the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material tend to be less dispersed than when in a slurry state. Therefore, for example, when the metal powder-containing material is attracted to a magnet, the rare earth powder-containing material is caught in the metal powder-containing material and attracted to the magnet, making it difficult to separate the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material separated and recovered in step (C) is dissolved in a mineral acid.
  • the mineral acid is, for example, at least one selected from the group including sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.
  • the rare earth component is separated and recovered as a rare earth component-containing solution.
  • the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth component-containing solution as a rare earth component.
  • step (D) it is preferable to adjust the pH of the rare earth component-containing solution to 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding a mineral acid.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less using a mineral acid, so that the rare earth powder can be dissolved in the mineral acid as a rare earth component. Furthermore, if the pH is adjusted to a stronger acid than the above range, the first ceramic powder, etc. may dissolve in the mineral acid, so it is preferable to adjust the pH to within the above range. More preferably, the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 2 by adding a mineral acid.
  • the separated rare earth powder-containing material is in a slurry state with a pH of about 7.
  • a mineral acid By adding a mineral acid to this slurry, it is also possible to produce a rare earth component-containing solution with an adjusted pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material after magnetic separation does not need to be in a slurry state and may be in a dry state.
  • the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is , for example, BaTiO 3
  • sulfuric acid is preferably used.
  • insoluble BaSO 4 is formed on the surface of the first ceramic powder, which is BaTiO 3, so that the first ceramic powder can be precipitated.
  • the rare earth powder can be dissolved in sulfuric acid.
  • a rare earth powder-containing material mainly containing BaTiO 3 with Dy attached to the surface in sulfuric acid BaTiO 3 is precipitated and a dysprosium sulfate (Dy 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ) solution in which Dy is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a rare earth component-containing solution.
  • Dy 2 (SO 4 ) 3 dysprosium sulfate
  • hydrochloric acid or the like can be used as the mineral acid other than sulfuric acid.
  • hydrochloric acid when hydrochloric acid is used as the mineral acid, soluble BaCl 2 is formed on the surface of the first ceramic powder BaTiO 3. Therefore, it is preferable to accurately adjust the pH of hydrochloric acid or the like so as to precipitate the first ceramic powder and dissolve the rare earth powder.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder produced in step (D) is filtered to separate the precipitated first ceramic powder and the rare earth component-containing solution into a solid-liquid separation.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution from which the precipitated first ceramic powder has been removed can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component from the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder.
  • step (D) BaTiO3 is precipitated and a dysprosium sulfate ( Dy2 ( SO4 ) 3 ) solution in which Dy is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a rare earth component-containing solution.
  • Dy2 ( SO4 ) 3 a dysprosium sulfate
  • the dysprosium sulfate solution from which BaTiO3 has been removed can be separated and recovered as rare earth components by filtration in step (F).
  • the filtration can be performed using filter paper (filter cloth). It is preferable that the mesh size of the filter paper (filter cloth) is such that the precipitated first ceramic powder does not pass through the filter paper (filter cloth).
  • the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder produced in step (D) can be separated into solid and liquid
  • the solid-liquid separation is not limited to filtration, and can be appropriately selected from known methods such as decantation and centrifugation. Filtration is more preferable.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution obtained in step (F) is neutralized to precipitate and recover the rare earth component.
  • the precipitated rare earth component is separated and recovered, for example, by filtering the neutralized rare earth component-containing solution.
  • the rare earth component is separated and recovered as a rare earth component compound (e.g., Dy(OH) 3 , etc.) by neutralization.
  • the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth component compound, which is a reaction product of the rare earth component chemically reacted, as the rare earth component.
  • alkali is used for neutralization.
  • alkalis include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.
  • the rare earth components are recovered by adjusting the pH of the rare earth component-containing solution to between pH 6 and pH 9. This allows the precipitate resulting from the neutralization reaction to be efficiently separated and recovered as rare earth components. More preferably, the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to pH 8 by adding an alkali.
  • dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) is obtained as a rare earth component compound by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. That is, since the dysprosium sulfate solution is acidic, the rare earth component dysprosium can be precipitated as dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) by neutralizing it with an alkali, and separated and recovered.
  • dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) can be separated and recovered by filtering the solution obtained by neutralizing the dysprosium sulfate solution with an alkali. In addition to filtration, known methods such as decantation and centrifugation can be used.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution produced in the dissolution in step (D) may contain metal components that are contaminants. These metal components are, for example, Ti, Mn, Ni, etc.
  • an alkali is added to the rare earth component-containing solution to adjust the pH to, for example, from 3 to 5, preferably about pH 4, so that Ti, Mn, etc. can be separated and recovered.
  • Ti precipitates as, for example, Ti(OH) 4
  • Mn precipitates as, for example, Mn(OH) 2. Therefore, the rare earth component-containing solution adjusted to about pH 4 is filtered to recover Ti(OH) 4 , Mn(OH) 2 , etc.
  • the rare earth components are separated and recovered by adding an alkali to the solution containing the rare earth components from which Ti, Mn, etc. have been separated and adjusted to a pH of 6 or more and 9 or less, preferably about pH 8, as described above.
  • Ni and the like can be separated and recovered by adding an alkali to the solution from which Ti, Mn, rare earth components, etc. have been separated, for example, to a pH of more than 9 to a pH of 11 or less, preferably about pH 10.
  • Ni precipitates as, for example, Ni(OH) 2 .
  • the solution adjusted to about pH 10 is filtered to recover Ni(OH) 2 and the like.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution is neutralized to a pH of 3 or more and a pH of 5 or less, preferably about pH 4, before the rare earth components are separated. Therefore, it is possible to first remove contaminants such as Ti and Mn from the rare earth component-containing solution. Since contaminants such as Ti and Mn have been removed from the rare earth component-containing solution in this way, it is possible to further facilitate separation of the rare earth components using the rare earth component-containing solution from which these contaminants have been removed.
  • the metal powder-containing material separated and recovered in step (C) is dissolved in a mineral acid.
  • the mineral acid is, for example, at least one selected from the group including sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.
  • the metal component is separated and recovered as a metal component-containing solution.
  • separation and recovery of the metal component includes not only separation and recovery of the metal component itself, but also separation and recovery of the metal component-containing solution as a metal component.
  • step (H) it is preferable to adjust the metal component-containing solution to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding a mineral acid.
  • the metal component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less using a mineral acid, so that the metal powder can be dissolved in the mineral acid as a metal component. Furthermore, if the pH is adjusted to a stronger acid than the above range, the second ceramic powder, etc. may dissolve in the mineral acid, so it is preferable to adjust the pH to within the above range. More preferably, the metal component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 2 by adding a mineral acid.
  • the separated metal powder-containing material is in a slurry state with a pH of about 7.
  • a mineral acid By adding a mineral acid to this slurry, it is also possible to produce a metal component-containing solution with an adjusted pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less.
  • the metal powder-containing material after magnetic separation does not need to be in a slurry state and may be in a dry state.
  • the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is , for example, BaTiO 3
  • sulfuric acid is preferably used.
  • insoluble BaSO 4 is formed on the surface of the second ceramic powder, which is BaTiO 3, so that the second ceramic powder can be precipitated.
  • the metal powder can be dissolved in sulfuric acid.
  • a metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached to the surface in sulfuric acid BaTiO 3 is precipitated and a nickel sulfate (NiSO 4 ) solution in which Ni is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a metal component-containing solution.
  • NiSO 4 nickel sulfate
  • hydrochloric acid or the like can be used as the mineral acid other than sulfuric acid.
  • hydrochloric acid when hydrochloric acid is used as the mineral acid, soluble BaCl 2 is formed on the surface of BaTiO 3 , which is the second ceramic powder. Therefore, it is preferable to accurately adjust the pH of hydrochloric acid or the like so as to precipitate the second ceramic powder and dissolve the metal powder.
  • the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder produced in step (H) is subjected to various treatments to recover the metal component.
  • An example of the recovery of the metal component in the various treatments in step (I) is described below.
  • the various treatments in step (I) include filtration.
  • the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder is filtered to separate the precipitated second ceramic powder and the metal component-containing solution into solid and liquid. This solid-liquid separation allows the metal component-containing solution from which the precipitated second ceramic powder has been removed to be separated and recovered as metal components from the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder.
  • step (H) BaTiO3 is precipitated and a nickel sulfate ( NiSO4 ) solution in which Ni is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a metal component-containing solution.
  • NiSO4 nickel sulfate
  • the nickel sulfate solution from which BaTiO3 has been removed can be obtained by filtration.
  • the filtration can be carried out using filter paper (filter cloth).
  • the mesh size of the filter paper (filter cloth) is preferably such that the precipitated second ceramic powder does not pass through the filter paper (filter cloth).
  • step (I) examples include crystallization and neutralization.
  • the metal components can be separated and recovered, for example, as metal component compounds (e.g., NiSO4 , NiCl2 , etc.).
  • the separation and recovery of metal components includes not only the separation and recovery of the metal components themselves, but also the separation and recovery of metal component compounds, which are the reaction products of the chemical reaction of the metal components, as the metal components.
  • the inventors of the present application have newly focused on the separation and recovery of metal components and rare earth components from unsintered waste before firing (sintering of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.
  • the materials constituting the unsintered waste before degreasing such as metal powder, ceramic powder (first and second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder, are not generally chemically bonded to each other by sintering, and at least some of the powders of each material are present in a state of adhering to each other.
  • the unsintered waste before degreasing it is easy to separate each material independently from each other by the process (B) of pulverizing or other fine processing.
  • the metal components and rare earth components in the unsintered waste before degreasing are materials used in the manufacture of multilayer ceramic capacitors, the purity of the metal components and rare earth components is higher than that of naturally occurring ores. Therefore, by carrying out the above separation and recovery method starting from unburned waste before production and degreasing, it is possible to separate and recover high-purity metal components and high-purity rare earth components.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing after being pulverized can be separated into a metal powder-containing material and a rare earth powder-containing material by using a magnet in step (C).
  • the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid to produce a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component.
  • the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved material and precipitate, so that the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material are separated.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material for example, the rare earth powder is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not sintered. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (D).
  • the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (D)
  • the ratio of rare earth components in the material containing rare earth components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, rare earth components such as Dy can be recovered at a high quality.
  • a metal component-containing solution can be produced in which the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component.
  • the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved substance and precipitate, so the second ceramic powder and the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material are separated.
  • the unfired waste before production and degreasing is not fired (firing of the laminated chip)
  • the metal powder-containing material for example, the second ceramic powder is attached to the surface of the metal powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are not sintered. Therefore, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (H).
  • unfired waste before degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors is used to separate and recover metal components, rare earth components, etc. Therefore, rather than disposing of the unfired waste before degreasing as waste, it can be used as a resource and the burden on the environment can be reduced.
  • Example 10 g of unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing was prepared.
  • 10 g of unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing contained 34 mass% (3.4 g) of Ni, which is a metal powder, 52 mass% (5.2 g) of BaTiO 3 , which is a ceramic powder, 2 mass% (0.2 g) of Dy, which is a rare earth powder, 10 mass% (1.0 g) of a resin component, and 2 mass% (0.2 g) of contaminants such as Mg, Mn, and SiO 2 (step (A)).
  • This unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing was fired at a degreasing temperature of 800 ° C for 2 hours in order to recycle and degrease (step (E)).
  • the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing after recycling degreasing was pulverized and finely divided (step (B)).
  • the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing after pulverization and finely divided by pulverization was mixed with 100 ml of water to create a slurry.
  • This slurry was magnetically separated using a magnet. By this magnetic separation, 3.4 g of metal powder containing material mainly containing BaTiO 3 attached to Ni was separated and collected, and 5.0 g of rare earth powder containing material mainly containing Dy attached to BaTiO 3 was separated and collected (step (C)).
  • step (D) 100 ml of water was added to 5.0 g of rare earth powder containing material, and 1 mol% sulfuric acid was added little by little to adjust the pH to 2.
  • the solution in which BaTiO 3 was precipitated and Dy was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution was filtered to obtain 90 ml of dysprosium sulfate (Dy 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ) solution (step (F)).
  • 1 mol% caustic soda solution was added little by little as an alkali to 90 ml of dysprosium sulfate solution to adjust the pH to 8 (step (G)).
  • This solution was filtered to separate and recover 0.2 g of Dy(OH) 3.
  • approximately 60% of the Dy contained in the unburned waste before degreasing was recovered.
  • step (C) 100 ml of water was added to 3.4 g of the metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached thereto, which was recovered in step (C), and 1 mol % of sulfuric acid was added little by little to adjust the pH to 2.
  • step (H) BaTiO 3 in the metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached thereto was precipitated, and Ni was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution (step (H)).
  • the solution in which BaTiO 3 was precipitated and Ni was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution was filtered to obtain 90 ml of nickel sulfate (Ni(SO 4 )) solution (step (I)).
  • rare earth components and metal components such as high-grade Dy and Ni can be easily separated and refined by using unburned waste before degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor as a starting material, and then going through processes such as magnetic separation and leaching by neutralization.
  • unburned waste before degreasing as a starting point, it is possible to separate and refine metals such as high-grade Dy and Ni by a simple process compared to the case of refining Dy and Ni from ore as a starting point.
  • step (B) (1-1) Generation of slurry by organic solvent
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized and refined in step (B).
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing may be pulverized by dispersing it in a slurry state using an organic solvent.
  • wet pulverization the pulverization in which the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with a solvent (solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent) to form a slurry.
  • a solvent solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent
  • wet pulverization the pulverization in which the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the micronization (particularly micronization by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C), in this order.
  • the magnetic separation in step (C) is followed by a distillation step to remove the organic solvent.
  • the separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a route for separating and recovering rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may additionally be performed.
  • the separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a route for separating and recovering metal components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering metal components, various treatments in step (I) may additionally be performed.
  • step (A) the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) are performed in this order, and further, it is preferable to perform a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and preferably includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the organic solvent may be an alcohol-based organic solvent or a hydrocarbon-based organic solvent.
  • the organic solvent may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or a mixture thereof.
  • the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing are removed in the recycling degreasing in step (E).
  • the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing may dissolve in the organic solvent.
  • the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing can be removed, and the recycling degreasing in step (E) can be omitted.
  • step (B) It is also possible to pulverize the unburned waste before degreasing by mixing the unburned waste before degreasing with an organic solvent. In this case, it may be possible to pulverize the unburned waste before degreasing without pulverizing it in step (B).
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C). Since the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent, it is preferable that a distillation step for removing the organic solvent is further included after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route.
  • filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed in the separation and recovery route for rare earth components.
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components, following the common separation and recovery route.
  • various processes in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.
  • the separation and recovery method preferably includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • a common separation and recovery route for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the separation and recovery method preferably includes the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and preferably includes, in this order, for example, preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C), and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing which has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state.
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an organic solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B)
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in this slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing of the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent (performed together with the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B) or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order.
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components following the common separation and recovery route.
  • filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed.
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components following the common separation and recovery route.
  • various treatments in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent, the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order.
  • step (A) the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing pulverized by grinding with an aqueous solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) can also be performed in this order.
  • a common separation and recovery route may omit the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and may include, for example, the following steps in this order: preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to produce a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the aqueous solvent for example, water can be used.
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing which has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state.
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an aqueous solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B)
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in this slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.
  • step (E) Location of recycle degreasing in step (E) in the separation and recovery method
  • the recycle degreasing in step (E) is performed between steps (A) and (B). That is, in Fig. 1, the unburned waste before production degreasing prepared in step (A) is recycled and degreased (step (E)), and then the unburned waste before production degreasing (recycled and degreased unburned waste before production degreasing) is pulverized in step (B).
  • step (E) is not limited to being performed between steps (A) and (B) as long as it is performed before the rare earth powder-containing material and the metal powder-containing material separated by the magnetic separation in step (C) are dissolved in mineral acid in steps (D) and (H).
  • the recycling degreasing in step (E) may be performed between steps (B) and (C).
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing prepared in step (A) can be pulverized in step (B) and then recycled and degreased.
  • a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing in step (A), pulverization in step (B), recycling degreasing in step (E), and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the recycling degreasing in step (E) may be performed between step (C), step (D), and step (H).
  • the rare earth powder-containing material can be recycled and degreased before step (D).
  • the metal powder-containing material can be recycled and degreased before step (H).
  • a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fine particle size reduction in step (B), the magnetic separation in step (C), and the recycling degreasing in step (E).
  • the rare earth powder-containing material recovered in the magnetic separation in step (C) is recycled and degreased, while the metal powder-containing material recovered in the magnetic separation in step (C) is recycled and degreased.
  • the recycling degreasing in step (E) may also be performed in the pulverization in step (B). That is, in the pulverization process in step (B), the resin components can be recycled and degreased from the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing.
  • the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing can be mixed with an organic solvent to recycle, degrease, and pulverize.
  • a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), pulverization by mixing with an organic solvent in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • step 5 manufacturing degreasing is performed in step 5, and the laminated chip is fired in step 6.
  • both steps 5 and 6 may be combined into one step.
  • the laminated chip after step 4 is fired at a temperature higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C, thereby manufacturing degreasing the resin components in the laminated chip and firing the laminated chip to sinter it.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is the waste before the step including both steps 5 and 6.
  • the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes the formation of a laminated block (step 3), cutting into laminated chips (step 4), manufacturing degreasing (step 5), firing of the laminated chips (step 6), and application and firing of the base electrode layer paste (step 7) in that order.
  • the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is not limited to this, and for example, there is a case where the manufacturing degreasing and firing are performed after applying the base electrode layer paste to the unfired laminated chip before the manufacturing degreasing in step 5 and before the firing (firing of the laminated chip) in step 6.
  • the base electrode layer paste containing Ni, glass components, resin components, etc. is applied to the laminated chip before the manufacturing degreasing in step 5.
  • the laminated chip to which the base electrode layer paste is applied is manufactured and degreased, and then fired.
  • the temperature during manufacturing degreasing is preferably, for example, higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C.
  • the firing temperature is preferably, for example, higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C.
  • the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing includes waste of laminated chips before manufacturing degreasing (before manufacturing degreasing in step 5), which is unfired after the base electrode layer paste is applied (before the firing in step 6 and the firing in step 7 are performed at the same time).
  • the Ni powder in the base electrode layer paste is included in the target for separation and recovery.
  • the base electrode layer paste may further contain a common material made of ceramic powder.
  • Second Embodiment 1 Separation and Recovery Method
  • a separation and recovery method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and is degreased in the manufacturing process before firing (firing of a laminated chip).
  • the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment has a different treatment object from the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment. That is, the treatment object of the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment is unfired waste before degreasing, whereas the treatment object of the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment is unfired waste after degreasing. Descriptions of the same contents as those of the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a separation and recovery method according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing before firing (firing of laminated chips) that is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that has been manufactured and degreased in the manufacturing process.
  • the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing before firing (firing of laminated chips) that is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that has been manufactured and degreased in the manufacturing process as the starting point for separation and recovery.
  • the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing will now be described.
  • the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing refers to waste after manufacturing and degreasing in the manufacturing process in (step 5) of the manufacturing method for multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, and waste before firing of the laminated chips in (step 6).
  • the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is defective laminated chips in which the lamination of each dielectric sheet is misaligned after manufacturing and degreasing in (step 5), excess laminated chips that are no longer needed, etc.
  • the separation and recovery method of FIG. 6 includes a common separation and recovery route, a rare earth component separation and recovery route, and a metal component separation and recovery route.
  • the rare earth component separation and recovery route and the metal component separation and recovery route each branch off from the common separation and recovery route.
  • the common separation and recovery route includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the refining in step (B), and the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the process branches into a rare earth component separation and recovery route and a metal component separation and recovery route.
  • the rare earth component separation and recovery route can include, for example, dissolving rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), and can further include filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G).
  • the metal component separation and recovery route can include, for example, dissolving metal powder-containing material in step (H), and can further include various treatments in step (I).
  • unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, is prepared.
  • the unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing includes metal powder, ceramic powder (first ceramic powder, second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder.
  • the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are as described in the first embodiment.
  • the unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing is waste after the laminated chip is manufactured and degreased in step 5, so the resin component has been almost or completely degreased (removed).
  • the resin component contained in the laminated chip before manufacturing degreasing is the same as in the first embodiment.
  • the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are at least partially adhered to each other, as in the first embodiment.
  • the resin component is not involved in the adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder.
  • the manner of adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is generally the same as the manner of adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing.
  • the reason why the powder particles in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing are adhered to each other and not basically chemically bonded is that although the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is degreased at the degreasing temperature in step 5 (higher than 800°C and not higher than 1000°C), the firing at the degreasing temperature in step 5 is not performed to a degree that would allow the powder particles to chemically bond to each other.
  • the firing at the firing temperature in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C) can cause the powder particles to chemically bond to each other, but the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing does not go through step 6, so the powder particles are basically not chemically bonded to each other and are just adhered to each other.
  • the unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing in this embodiment contains metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder. More specifically, the unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing in this embodiment contains metal powder-containing material and rare earth powder-containing material.
  • the configurations of the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the metal powder-containing material refers to a material containing metal powder and ceramic powder.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material refers to a material containing rare earth powder and ceramic powder.
  • the metal powder-containing material refers to a material containing metal powder and second ceramic powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material refers to a material containing rare earth powder and first ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
  • the state of the powder of such unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing is generally similar to the state of the powder of unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing described in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, except that it does not contain a resin component.
  • the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment and the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment differ in that the object to be treated is unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing, or unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing.
  • the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment does not include the recycle degreasing of step (E) in the common separation and recovery route.
  • the separation and recovery route for rare earth components and the separation and recovery route for metal components are the same in the separation and recovery methods according to the first and second embodiments, since they are steps that occur after the resin components have been degreased.
  • the inventors of the present application have newly focused on the separation and recovery of metal components and rare earth components from unfired waste discharged before firing (firing of laminated chips) and after manufacturing and degreasing in the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.
  • the materials constituting the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing such as metal powder, ceramic powder (first and second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder, are not generally chemically bonded to each other by sintering, and at least some of the powders of each material are present in a state of adhering to each other.
  • each material can be easily separated independently by a process (B) of pulverizing or other fine processing.
  • the metal components and rare earth components in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing are materials used in the manufacture of multilayer ceramic capacitors, the purity of the metal components and rare earth components is higher than that of naturally occurring ores. Therefore, by carrying out the above separation and recovery method starting from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing, it is possible to separate and recover high-purity metal components and high-purity rare earth components.
  • the unfired waste after the manufacturing and degreasing process after the fine particle size can be separated into a metal powder-containing material and a rare earth powder-containing material by using a magnet in step (C).
  • the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid to produce a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component.
  • the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved material and precipitate, so that the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material are separated.
  • the rare earth powder-containing material for example, the rare earth powder is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not sintered. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (D).
  • the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (D)
  • the proportion of rare earth components in the material containing rare earth components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to recover rare earth components such as Dy at a high quality.
  • a metal component-containing solution can be produced in which the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component.
  • the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved substance and precipitate, so the second ceramic powder and the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material are separated.
  • the unfired waste after production and degreasing is not fired (firing of the laminated chip)
  • the metal powder-containing material for example, the second ceramic powder is attached to the surface of the metal powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are not sintered. Therefore, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (H).
  • the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (H)
  • the proportion of the metal components in the material containing the metal components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to recover metal components such as Ni at a high quality.
  • the unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors is used to separate and recover metal components, rare earth components, etc., so the unfired waste after degreasing can be used as a resource rather than being discarded as waste, reducing the burden on the environment.
  • step (B) (1-1) Generation of slurry by organic solvent
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized and refined in step (B).
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing may be refined by dispersing it in an organic solvent, for example, in addition to the refinement in step (B) (particularly, refinement by pulverization), or instead of the refinement in step (B) (particularly, refinement by pulverization), for example.
  • wet refinement the refinement in which the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with a solvent (solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent) to form a slurry is called wet refinement.
  • solvent solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent
  • wet grinding the refinement in which the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized in a slurry formed by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, in this order: preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the micronization (particularly micronization by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A) preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the micronization (particularly micronization by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the magnetic separation in step (C) is followed by a further distillation step of removing the organic solvent.
  • the separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a route for separating and recovering rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may additionally be performed.
  • the separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a route for separating and recovering metal components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering metal components, various treatments in step (I) may additionally be performed.
  • the separation and recovery method preferably includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • a common separation and recovery route for example, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • step (A) the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) are performed in this order, and further, it is preferable to perform a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) of step (B), and preferably includes, in this order, for example, preparation of unburned waste after production and degreasing in step (A), generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C), and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
  • the organic solvent may be an alcohol-based organic solvent or a hydrocarbon-based organic solvent.
  • the organic solvent may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or a mixture thereof.
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state.
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an organic solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B)
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has become a slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent (performed together with the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B) or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order.
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components following the common separation and recovery route.
  • filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed.
  • the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components following the common separation and recovery route.
  • various treatments in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.
  • the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the steps of preparing unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to generate a slurry, pulverizing (particularly, pulverizing by grinding) in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order.
  • step (A) the steps of preparing unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), pulverizing (particularly, pulverizing by grinding) in step (B), mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing finely pulverized by grinding with an aqueous solvent to generate a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C) can also be performed in this order.
  • a common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and includes, for example, the steps of preparing unburned waste after production and degreasing in step (A), mixing the unburned waste after production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to produce a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C), in this order.
  • aqueous solvent for example, water can be used.
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state.
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an aqueous solvent in step (B)
  • the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has become a slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C).
  • the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.
  • the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes the formation of a laminated block in (step 3), cutting into laminated chips in (step 4), manufacturing and degreasing in (step 5), firing of the laminated chips in (step 6), and application and firing of the base electrode layer paste in (step 7) in that order.
  • the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is not limited to this, and for example, before the manufacturing and degreasing in step 5 and before the firing (firing of the laminated chips) in step 6, the manufacturing and degreasing and firing may be performed after applying the base electrode layer paste to the unfired laminated chips.
  • the base electrode layer paste containing Ni, glass components, resin components, etc. is applied to the laminated chips before the manufacturing and degreasing in step 5.
  • the laminated chips to which the base electrode layer paste is applied are manufactured and degreased, and then fired.
  • the temperature during the manufacturing and degreasing is preferably, for example, higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C.
  • the firing temperature is preferably, for example, higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C.
  • the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing includes, in addition to those listed in the above embodiment, waste of laminated chips after manufacturing and degreasing that are unfired after the base electrode layer paste is applied (before the firing in step 6 and the firing in step 7 are performed at the same time).
  • the Ni powder in the base electrode layer paste is included in the target for separation and recovery.
  • the base electrode layer paste may further contain a common material made of ceramic powder.
  • the subject of application of the present invention is unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor having an internal electrode layer containing metal powder such as Ni , and a ceramic layer containing a dielectric material such as BaTiO 3 and rare earth powder as an additive such as Dy. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor, for example.
  • a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor has a laminate 12 similar to those of the first and second embodiments described above, and first to fourth external electrodes.
  • the internal electrode layer 16 has a first internal electrode layer extended to the first end face 12e and the second end face 12f, and a second internal electrode layer extended to the first side face 12c and the second side face 12d.
  • a first external electrode is disposed on the first end face 12e of the laminate 12. The first external electrode is electrically connected to the first internal electrode layer exposed at the first end face 12e of the laminate 12.
  • a second external electrode is disposed on the second end face 12f of the laminate 12. The second external electrode is electrically connected to the first internal electrode layer exposed at the second end face 12f of the laminate 12.
  • a third external electrode is disposed on the first side face 12c of the laminate 12.
  • the third external electrode is electrically connected to the second internal electrode layer exposed at the first side surface 12c of the laminate 12.
  • a fourth external electrode is disposed on the second side surface 12d of the laminate 12. The fourth external electrode is electrically connected to the second internal electrode layer exposed at the second side surface 12d of the laminate 12.
  • step (F) When the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in mineral acid in step (D), the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become undissolved and precipitate. Meanwhile, the rare earth powder dissolves to produce a rare earth component-containing solution.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution containing the undissolved matter can also be recovered as the rare earth component.
  • the solid-liquid separation step (F) such as filtration, can be omitted.
  • step (G) Omission of neutralization in step (G)
  • the rare earth components in the dissolution of the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), the rare earth components can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component-containing solution. Therefore, the neutralization in step (G) can be omitted.
  • Step (I) Omission of Various Treatments in Step (I)
  • the metal component-containing solution in the dissolution of the metal powder-containing material in step (H), the metal component-containing solution can be separated and recovered as metal components. Therefore, the various treatments in step (I) can be omitted.
  • rare earth component compounds such as Dy(OH) 3 are separated and recovered as rare earth components in the neutralization step (G).
  • the method for separating and recovering rare earth components is not limited to this.
  • the rare earth components can be recovered as follows.
  • step (a) The rare earth component compound obtained by neutralization in step (G) is heat-treated to produce an oxide, and the oxide can be recovered as the rare earth component.
  • the rare earth component compound obtained after the neutralization in step (G) is Dy(OH) 3
  • dysprosium oxide (Dy 2 O 3 ) can be recovered as the rare earth component by heat treating Dy(OH) 3 .
  • the rare earth component compound obtained by neutralization in step (G) is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a chloride, and the chloride can be recovered as the rare earth component.
  • the rare earth component compound obtained after the neutralization in step (G) is Dy(OH) 3
  • Dy(OH) 3 is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a dysprosium chloride ( DyCl3 ) solution.
  • the dysprosium chloride solution is distilled to evaporate the solvent, and dysprosium chloride hexahydrate ( DyCl3.6H2O ) can be recovered as the rare earth component.
  • the rare earth component compound Dy(OH) 3 obtained after neutralization in step (G) is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a dysprosium chloride solution, which is then further purified to recover a high-purity rare earth component.
  • the dysprosium chloride solution produced as described above can be purified by solvent extraction, and a high-purity dysprosium chloride solution can be recovered as a rare earth component.
  • Solvent extraction is a separation and purification method that utilizes the partitioning of solutes, in which a solute dissolved in one of the oil phase and the water phase, which are immiscible liquids, is transferred to the other phase.
  • an ion exchange resin method can be used as a method other than solvent extraction.
  • high-purity dysprosium oxide can be recovered from the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution obtained by the solvent extraction in (c) above.
  • oxalic acid is added to the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution to precipitate dysprosium oxalate.
  • high-purity dysprosium oxalate hexahydrate Dy2 ( C2O4 ) 3.6H2O ) is recovered .
  • high-purity dysprosium oxide ( Dy2O3 ) can be recovered as a rare earth component.
  • high-purity dysprosium chloride hexahydrate can be recovered from the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution obtained by the above-mentioned solvent extraction (c).
  • high-purity dysprosium chloride hexahydrate is recovered by distilling off the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution and evaporating the solvent.
  • the state of the recovered rare earth component may be any of a liquid state, a solid state, and a mixed state of liquid and solid.
  • the crystal lattice of the rare earth component may be any of an amorphous state, a crystalline state, and a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.
  • the metal powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid in the dissolution of the metal powder-containing material in step (H).
  • the metal component-containing solution is then separated and recovered as a metal component.
  • the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder is filtered, and the metal component-containing solution from which the second ceramic powder has been removed is separated and recovered as a metal component.
  • the separation and recovery of the metal component is not limited to this.
  • the metal component can be recovered as follows.
  • the metal component compound By crystallizing the metal component-containing solution, the metal component compound can be recovered as the metal component.
  • the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) is a nickel sulfate ( NiSO4 ) solution
  • nickel sulfate hexahydrate ( NiSO4.6H2O ) can be recovered as the metal component by crystallizing and filtering the nickel sulfate solution.
  • step (b) By purifying the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the material containing metal powder in step (H), it is possible to recover high-purity metal components.
  • a nickel sulfate (NiSO 4 ) solution containing metal components can be purified by an ion exchange resin method, a solvent extraction method, or the like, and a high-purity nickel sulfate solution can be recovered as the metal components.
  • the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) can be purified by a method other than the above-mentioned (b) to recover high-purity metal components.
  • a nickel sulfate solution which is a metal component-containing solution
  • high-purity solid Ni can be precipitated and recovered as a metal component by a method of precipitating a solid dissolved in the solution, such as electrolytic deposition.
  • nickel chloride hexahydrate NiCl2.6H2O
  • NiCl2 nickel chloride hexahydrate
  • the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) is neutralized to generate chlorides, and the chlorides can be recovered as the metal components.
  • a nickel sulfate solution which is a metal component-containing solution, is neutralized by adjusting the pH to, for example, about 10 (pH 9 or higher and pH 11 or lower) with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, and nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) is precipitated.
  • the precipitated nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) is separated and recovered, for example, by filtration.
  • nickel hydroxide is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a nickel chloride ( NiCl2 ) solution.
  • nickel chloride hexahydrate NiCl2.6H2O
  • the state of the recovered metal component may be any of liquid, solid, and mixed liquid and solid.
  • the crystal lattice of the metal component may be any of amorphous, crystalline, and mixed amorphous and crystalline.
  • ⁇ 4> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to ⁇ 1> or ⁇ 2>, wherein the pulverization in the step (B) is carried out by at least one of pulverization and introduction of an organic solvent.
  • step (B) the resin component is recycled and degreased from the unburned waste before production and degreasing, and then the unburned waste before production and degreasing after the recycled degreasing is mixed with an aqueous solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry, and the slurry is pulverized in the slurry.
  • ⁇ 6> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of ⁇ 1>, ⁇ 3> and ⁇ 4>, wherein in the step (B), the unburned waste before production and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry, and the rare earth components and metal components are pulverized in the slurry.
  • ⁇ 8> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to ⁇ 7>, wherein the degreasing temperature in the recycle degreasing in the step (E) is 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower.
  • the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 6 or more and a pH of 9 or less to recover the rare earth component.
  • ⁇ 12> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 11>, wherein in the step (D), the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding the mineral acid.
  • ⁇ 13> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 12>, wherein the metal component is Ni and the ceramic powder is BaTiO 3 .
  • ⁇ 14> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 13>, wherein the rare earth components are at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.
  • Multilayer ceramic capacitor 12 Laminate 12a: First main surface 12b: Second main surface 12c: First side surface 12d: Second side surface 12e: First end surface 12f: Second end surface 14: Ceramic layer 14_U: Unsintered ceramic layer 16: Internal electrode layer 16_U: Unsintered internal electrode layer 16a: First internal electrode layer 16b: Second internal electrode layer 30: External electrode 30a: First external electrode 30b: Second external electrode 32: Base electrode layer 32a: First base electrode layer 32b: Second base electrode layer 34: Plating layer 34a: First plating layer 34b: Second plating layer x: Height direction y: Width direction z: Length direction

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Abstract

Provided is a method for separating and recovering a rare earth constituent and a metal constituent from unsintered waste. This separation and recovery method comprises: (A) a step in which unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing is prepared, said waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin constituent, and the metal powder and the ceramic powder adhering at least partially to one another; (B) a step in which the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing and a solvent are mixed and refined within a resulting slurry; (C) a step in which, after the step (B), a substance that contains the metal powder and a substance that contains the rare earth powder are separated and recovered using a magnet; (D) a step in which, by dissolving the substance containing the rare earth powder in a mineral acid, the ceramic powder is made to precipitate, and a solution containing a rare earth constituent, in which the rare earth powder is dissolved, is produced; and (H) a step in which, by dissolving the substance containing the metal powder in a mineral acid, the ceramic powder is made to precipitate, and a solution containing a metal constituent, in which the metal powder is dissolved, is produced.

Description

製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法Method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unburned waste before degreasing or unburned waste after degreasing

 この発明は、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法に関する。 This invention relates to a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing, which is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.

 自動車に車載される電子部品、携帯電話の電子部品等として積層セラミックコンデンサ(MLCC:MultiLayer Ceramic Capacitor)の大幅な需要が見込まれている。積層セラミックコンデンサは、内部電極層及びセラミック層を有する積層体と、外部電極と、を含む。内部電極層には例えばNi等の金属成分が含まれており、セラミック層は例えばBaTiO3等から形成されている。特許文献1~4には、内部電極層に主として用いられているNiを回収する方法が開示されているとともに、Niを回収する過程でセラミック層に含まれるBaTiO3を分離していることが開示されている。 A large demand is expected for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) as electronic components mounted on automobiles, electronic components for mobile phones, etc. A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a laminate having an internal electrode layer and a ceramic layer, and an external electrode. The internal electrode layer contains a metal component such as Ni, and the ceramic layer is formed of BaTiO 3 , etc. Patent documents 1 to 4 disclose a method for recovering Ni, which is mainly used in the internal electrode layer, and also disclose that BaTiO 3 contained in the ceramic layer is separated in the process of recovering Ni.

特開2003-253347号公報JP 2003-253347 A 特開2003-268459号公報JP 2003-268459 A 特開2003-277843号公報JP 2003-277843 A 特開2003-277846号公報JP 2003-277846 A

 ここで、積層セラミックコンデンサを製造するために用いられる原料には、Niだけでなく、希土類成分も含まれているものがある。特許文献1~4では、Niを回収することは開示されているものの、希土類成分の回収についてまでは開示されていない。しかし、Ni等の金属成分だけでなく、希土類成分も回収できることが望ましい。 Some of the raw materials used to manufacture multilayer ceramic capacitors contain not only Ni but also rare earth components. Patent documents 1 to 4 disclose the recovery of Ni, but do not disclose the recovery of rare earth components. However, it is desirable to be able to recover not only metal components such as Ni, but also rare earth components.

 それゆえに、この発明の主たる目的は、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法を提供することである。 The main object of this invention is therefore to provide a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.

 この発明にかかる製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法は、
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)工程(B)を経た後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)工程(C)を経た後の希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに希土類粉末含有物中の希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)工程(C)を経た後の金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、を備える。
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to the present invention comprises the steps of:
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, which contains a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, and in which the metal powder and the ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) A step of pulverizing the unburned waste before production and degreasing in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste before degreasing after the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) a step of dissolving the metal powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and producing a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component.

 この発明によれば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から、希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収することができる。 According to this invention, rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste before production and degreasing.

 この発明にかかる製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法は、
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)工程(B)を経た後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)工程(C)を経た後の希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに希土類粉末含有物中の希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)工程(C)を経た後の金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、を備える。
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to the present invention comprises the steps of:
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, which contains a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, and in which the metal powder and the ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) A step of finely grinding the unburned waste before degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste before degreasing after the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) a step of dissolving the metal powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and producing a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component.

 この発明によれば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から、希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収することができる。 According to this invention, rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste before production and degreasing.

 この発明にかかる製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法は、
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)工程(B)を経た後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)工程(C)を経た後の希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに希土類粉末含有物中の希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)工程(C)を経た後の金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、を備える。
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing according to the present invention comprises the steps of:
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the resin component being degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) pulverizing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in a slurry produced by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the degreasing process in the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) a step of dissolving the metal powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and producing a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component.

 この発明によれば、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から、希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収することができる。 According to this invention, rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing.

 この発明にかかる製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法は、
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)工程(B)を経た後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)工程(C)を経た後の希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに希土類粉末含有物中の希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)工程(C)を経た後の金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物中のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える。
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing according to the present invention comprises the steps of:
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the resin component being degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) A step of finely grinding the unburned waste after production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the degreasing process in the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder and a ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing a rare earth powder and a ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
Equipped with.

 この発明によれば、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から、希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収することができる。 According to this invention, rare earth and metal components can be separated and recovered from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing.

 この発明によれば、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法を提供することができる。 This invention provides a method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors.

 この発明の上述の目的、その他の目的、特徴及び利点は、図面を参照して行う以下の発明を実施するための形態の説明から一層明らかとなろう。 The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which refers to the drawings.

この発明の第1の実施の形態に係る、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収する分離回収方法を示すフロー図である。FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. この発明の第1の実施の形態に係る積層セラミックコンデンサの一例を示す外観斜視図である。1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 図2の線III-IIIにおける断面図である。3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. 積層チップにおける、長さ方向及び積層方向を含む面に平行な断面図である。2 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated chip, the cross-sectional view being parallel to a plane including the length direction and the laminated direction. 図4のα部分の拡大図であり、各種粉末の状態を示す模式図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion α in FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the state of various powders. この発明の第2の実施の形態に係る、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出されるとともに、前記製造工程において製造脱脂された焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収する分離回収方法を示すフロー図である。FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a separation and recovery method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing that is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that is produced and degreased in the manufacturing process and is prior to firing (firing of a laminated chip), according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

<第1の実施の形態>
1.分離回収方法
 この発明の第1の実施の形態にかかる、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法について説明する。
First Embodiment
1. Separation and Recovery Method A method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

 図1は、この発明の第1の実施の形態に係る、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収する分離回収方法を示すフロー図である。この発明の第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法では、分離回収の出発点として積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を用いる。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物について説明する。 FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a separation and recovery method according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor. In the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, is used as the starting point for separation and recovery. The unfired waste before degreasing will be described below.

(1)製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物
 製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を説明する前に、まず積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程により製造される積層セラミックコンデンサ及びその製造工程について以下に説明する。
(1) Unfired Waste Before Degreasing in Production Before describing the unfired waste before degreasing in production, a multilayer ceramic capacitor manufactured in a manufacturing process for a multilayer ceramic capacitor and the manufacturing process for the multilayer ceramic capacitor will be described below.

 (1-1)積層セラミックコンデンサ
 図2は、この発明の第1の実施の形態に係る積層セラミックコンデンサの一例を示す外観斜視図である。図3は、図2の線III-IIIにおける断面図である。ここでは、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の一例として2端子型積層セラミックコンデンサを例に挙げて説明する。
(1-1) Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Here, a two-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor will be described as an example of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10.

 図2、図3に示すように、積層セラミックコンデンサ10は、例えば直方体状の積層体12と、積層体12の両端部に配置される外部電極30と、を含む。 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped laminate 12 and external electrodes 30 arranged on both ends of the laminate 12.

 積層体12は、積層された複数のセラミック層14と、セラミック層14上に積層された複数の内部電極層16とを有する。さらに、積層体12は、高さ方向(積層方向)xに相対する第1の主面12a及び第2の主面12bと、高さ方向xに直交する幅方向yに相対する第1の側面12c及び第2の側面12dと、高さ方向x及び幅方向yに直交する長さ方向zに相対する第1の端面12e及び第2の端面12fとを有する。セラミック層14と内部電極層16は、高さ方向xに積層される。 The laminate 12 has a plurality of stacked ceramic layers 14 and a plurality of internal electrode layers 16 stacked on the ceramic layers 14. Furthermore, the laminate 12 has a first main surface 12a and a second main surface 12b that face each other in a height direction (stacking direction) x, a first side surface 12c and a second side surface 12d that face each other in a width direction y perpendicular to the height direction x, and a first end surface 12e and a second end surface 12f that face each other in a length direction z perpendicular to the height direction x and the width direction y. The ceramic layers 14 and the internal electrode layers 16 are stacked in the height direction x.

 第1の内部電極層16a及び第2の内部電極層16bは、たとえば、磁性を有する金属を含む導電材料から構成することができ、磁性を有する金属は単体金属でも合金でもよい。磁性を有する金属としては、例えばNi及びFeを挙げることができる。 The first internal electrode layer 16a and the second internal electrode layer 16b can be made of, for example, a conductive material containing a magnetic metal, and the magnetic metal can be a single metal or an alloy. Examples of magnetic metals include Ni and Fe.

 セラミック層14は、たとえば、セラミック材料として、誘電体材料により形成することができる。このような誘電体材料としては、たとえば、BaTiO3、CaTiO3、SrTiO3、又はCaZrO3などの成分を含むペロブスカイト型化合物を主成分とし、ペロブスカイト構造を備える誘電体セラミックを用いることができる。上記の誘電体材料を主成分として含む場合、所望する積層体12の特性に応じて、希土類成分が添加剤として誘電体材料に添加されている。添加される希土類成分としては、例えば、Dy、Sc、Y、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Pm、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Luのうち少なくとも1種を挙げることができる。また、上記の誘電体材料には、たとえば、Mn化合物、Fe化合物、Cr化合物、Co化合物、Ni化合物などの、主成分よりも含有量の少ない副成分を添加したものを用いてもよい。また、上記の主成分に、Si、Mg及びBa、Mnのうちの少なくとも一種がさらなる添加剤として加えられてもよい。ただし、これらの副成分及び添加剤が希土類成分の分離回収において希土類成分の品質低下を引き起こす可能性があるため、これらの副成分及び添加剤は省略されてもよい。 The ceramic layer 14 can be formed, for example, from a dielectric material as the ceramic material. As such a dielectric material, for example, a dielectric ceramic having a perovskite structure with a perovskite type compound containing components such as BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , or CaZrO 3 as the main component can be used. When the dielectric material is contained as the main component, a rare earth component is added to the dielectric material as an additive according to the desired characteristics of the laminate 12. As the rare earth component to be added, for example, at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu can be mentioned. In addition, the above-mentioned dielectric material may be used with the addition of a subcomponent, such as a Mn compound, an Fe compound, a Cr compound, a Co compound, or a Ni compound, which is contained in a smaller amount than the main component. In addition, at least one of Si, Mg, Ba, and Mn may be added as an additive to the above-mentioned main components. However, since these minor components and additives may cause a deterioration in the quality of the rare earth components during separation and recovery of the rare earth components, these minor components and additives may be omitted.

 積層体12の第1の端面12e側及び第2の端面12f側には、図2、図3に示されるように、外部電極30が配置される。 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, external electrodes 30 are arranged on the first end face 12e side and the second end face 12f side of the laminate 12.

 外部電極30は、第1の外部電極30a及び第2の外部電極30bを有する。第1の外部電極30aは、第1の内部電極層16aに接続され、少なくとも第1の端面12eの表面に配置されている。第2の外部電極30bは、第2の内部電極層16bに接続され、少なくとも第2の端面12fの表面に配置されている。 The external electrode 30 has a first external electrode 30a and a second external electrode 30b. The first external electrode 30a is connected to the first internal electrode layer 16a and is disposed on at least the surface of the first end face 12e. The second external electrode 30b is connected to the second internal electrode layer 16b and is disposed on at least the surface of the second end face 12f.

 外部電極30は、金属成分を含む下地電極層32と、下地電極層32上に配置されるめっき層34とを含む。第1の外部電極30aは、第1の下地電極層32aと、第1のめっき層34aとを含む。第2の外部電極30bは、第2の下地電極層32bと、第2のめっき層34bとを含む。 The external electrode 30 includes a base electrode layer 32 containing a metal component and a plating layer 34 disposed on the base electrode layer 32. The first external electrode 30a includes a first base electrode layer 32a and a first plating layer 34a. The second external electrode 30b includes a second base electrode layer 32b and a second plating layer 34b.

 下地電極層32は、ガラス成分と金属成分とを含む焼付け層から形成されてもよい。焼付け層の金属成分としては、例えば、Cu、Ni、Ag、Pd、Ag-Pd合金、Au等から選ばれる少なくとも1つを含む。焼付け層のガラス成分としては、例えばB、Si、Ba、Mg、Al、Li等から選ばれる少なくとも1つの元素を含む酸化物を含む。また、下地電極層32は、熱硬化性樹脂及び金属成分を含む導電性樹脂層から形成されてもよい。導電性樹脂層に含まれる金属としては、例えば、Ag、Cu、Ni、Sn、Bi又は、それらを含む合金を使用することができる。熱硬化性樹脂としては、エポキシ樹脂、フェノキシ樹脂などの公知の種々の熱硬化性樹脂を使用することができる。 The base electrode layer 32 may be formed from a baking layer containing a glass component and a metal component. The metal component of the baking layer may include at least one selected from Cu, Ni, Ag, Pd, Ag-Pd alloy, Au, etc. The glass component of the baking layer may include an oxide containing at least one element selected from B, Si, Ba, Mg, Al, Li, etc. The base electrode layer 32 may also be formed from a thermosetting resin and a conductive resin layer containing a metal component. The metal contained in the conductive resin layer may be, for example, Ag, Cu, Ni, Sn, Bi, or an alloy containing these. The thermosetting resin may be any of various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin and phenoxy resin.

 めっき層34としては、例えば、Cu、Ni、Sn、Ag、Pd、Ag-Pd合金、Au等から選ばれる少なくとも1つを含む。 The plating layer 34 includes, for example, at least one selected from Cu, Ni, Sn, Ag, Pd, Ag-Pd alloy, Au, etc.

 (1-2)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造方法
 次に、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法について説明する。
(1-2) Method for Manufacturing the Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Next, a method for manufacturing the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 will be described.

 (工程1)まず、セラミック層用の誘電体シート及び内部電極層用の導電性ペーストが準備される。セラミック層用の誘電体シートは、これに限定されないが、例えばBaTiO3を主成分としており、添加剤としてDyが添加された誘電体スラリーから形成されている。内部電極層用の導電性ペーストは、これに限定されないが、例えばNiを主成分として形成されている。誘電体シート及び内部電極層用の導電性ペーストは、バインダ及び溶剤を含む。バインダ及び溶剤は、樹脂成分を含んで構成されるものであり、樹脂成分としては、例えば、エポキシ樹脂、フェノキシ樹脂、フェノール樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、ポリイミド樹脂などの公知の種々の熱硬化性樹脂を使用することができる。なお、Si等の無機元素は脱脂(製造脱脂、リサイクル脱脂等の脱脂を含む)によっても除去することが困難であり、この無機元素がコンタミとして製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中に残存することにより希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収に悪影響を与える。よって、樹脂成分としては、Si等の無機元素のような脱脂(製造脱脂、リサイクル脱脂等の脱脂を含む)において除去することが困難なものを含まないことが好ましい。 (Step 1) First, a dielectric sheet for the ceramic layer and a conductive paste for the internal electrode layer are prepared. The dielectric sheet for the ceramic layer is formed from a dielectric slurry containing, but not limited to, BaTiO 3 as a main component and Dy as an additive. The conductive paste for the internal electrode layer is formed from, but not limited to, Ni as a main component. The dielectric sheet and the conductive paste for the internal electrode layer include a binder and a solvent. The binder and the solvent are composed of a resin component, and various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, phenoxy resin, phenolic resin, urethane resin, and polyimide resin can be used as the resin component. Inorganic elements such as Si are difficult to remove even by degreasing (including degreasing such as manufacturing degreasing and recycling degreasing), and these inorganic elements remain in the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing as contaminants, which adversely affects the separation and recovery of rare earth components and metal components. Therefore, it is preferable that the resin component does not contain inorganic elements such as Si that are difficult to remove in degreasing (including degreasing such as manufacturing degreasing and recycling degreasing).

 (工程2)そして、誘電体シート上に、内部電極層用の導電性ペーストが、たとえば、スクリーン印刷やグラビア印刷などにより所定のパターンで印刷される。これにより、第1の内部電極層のパターンが形成された誘電体シート、及び第2の内部電極層のパターンが形成された誘電体シートが準備される。 (Step 2) Then, a conductive paste for the internal electrode layers is printed in a predetermined pattern on the dielectric sheet, for example by screen printing or gravure printing. This prepares a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the first internal electrode layer is formed, and a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the second internal electrode layer is formed.

 また、誘電体シートに関しては、内部電極層のパターンが印刷されていない外層用の誘電体シートも準備される。 In addition, with regard to the dielectric sheets, outer layer dielectric sheets that do not have the internal electrode layer pattern printed on them are also prepared.

 内部電極層のパターンが印刷されていない外層用の誘電体シートが所定枚数積層される。その上に、第1の内部電極層のパターンが印刷された誘電体シート、及び第2の内部電極層のパターンが印刷された誘電体シートが順次積層されることにより内層部となる部分が形成される。この内層部となる部分の上に、内部電極層のパターンが印刷されてない外層用の誘電体シートが所定枚数積層される。これにより、内層部及び外層部を有する積層シートが形成される。なお、誘電体シートは未焼成時のセラミック層、つまり積層チップの焼成を経る前のセラミック層という場合がある。内部電極層のパターンは、未焼成時の内部電極層、つまり積層チップの焼成を経る前の内部電極層という場合がある。 A predetermined number of dielectric sheets for the outer layers, on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer is not printed, are stacked. A dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the first internal electrode layer is printed, and a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the second internal electrode layer is printed are stacked in order on top of the dielectric sheets to form an inner layer portion. A predetermined number of dielectric sheets for the outer layers, on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer is not printed, are stacked on top of the inner layer portion. This forms a laminated sheet having an inner layer portion and an outer layer portion. The dielectric sheets are sometimes referred to as the ceramic layers when unfired, that is, the ceramic layers before the laminated chip is fired. The pattern of the internal electrode layers is sometimes referred to as the internal electrode layers when unfired, that is, the internal electrode layers before the laminated chip is fired.

 (工程3)次に、積層シートが静水圧プレスなどの手段により積層方向にプレスされることにより、積層ブロックが作製される。 (Step 3) Next, the laminated sheet is pressed in the stacking direction using a means such as a hydrostatic press to produce a laminated block.

 (工程4)そして、積層ブロックが所定のサイズにカットされることにより、積層チップ12_Uが切り出される。図4は、積層チップにおける、長さ方向及び積層方向を含む面に平行な断面図である。図5は、図4のα部分の拡大図であり、各種粉末の状態を示す模式図である。図4では、外部電極30がまだ形成されていない積層チップ12_Uの断面図が示されている。また、図4、図5の積層チップ12_Uは、工程5の製造脱脂及び工程6の積層チップの焼成を経る前の状態である。ただし、積層チップ12_Uに含まれる樹脂成分については図示を省略している。図4、図5に示すように、未焼成時の内部電極層16_Uと未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uとが交互に積層されることにより、積層チップ12_Uが形成されている。 (Step 4) The laminated block is then cut to a predetermined size to cut out the laminated chip 12_U. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the laminated chip parallel to a plane including the length direction and the lamination direction. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the α portion of FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the state of various powders. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the laminated chip 12_U on which the external electrode 30 has not yet been formed. The laminated chip 12_U in FIGS. 4 and 5 is in a state prior to the manufacturing degreasing step 5 and the firing of the laminated chip in step 6. However, the resin component contained in the laminated chip 12_U is not shown. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the laminated chip 12_U is formed by alternately stacking the unfired internal electrode layers 16_U and the unfired ceramic layers 14_U.

 (工程5)
 次に、積層チップ12_U中の樹脂成分を除去する。以下、工程5での樹脂成分の除去は製造工程上の脱脂であり、製造脱脂という場合がある。製造脱脂における脱脂温度は、例えば、800℃より高く1000℃以下である。
(Step 5)
Next, the resin components in the laminated chip 12_U are removed. Hereinafter, the removal of the resin components in step 5 is degreasing in the manufacturing process, and may be referred to as manufacturing degreasing. The degreasing temperature in manufacturing degreasing is, for example, higher than 800° C. and lower than 1000° C.

 (工程6)次に、積層チップ12_Uが焼成されることにより、積層体12が作製される。積層チップ12_Uの焼成温度は、誘電体であるセラミック層や内部電極層の材料にもよるが、例えば、1000℃より高く1400℃以下であることが好ましい。工程1~工程6が積層体形成工程である。なお、工程6における焼成を以下、積層チップの焼成という場合がある。また、この焼成により、未焼成時の内部電極層16_U及び未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uが焼成され、内部電極層16及びセラミック層14となる。 (Step 6) Next, the laminated chip 12_U is fired to produce the laminate 12. The firing temperature of the laminated chip 12_U depends on the materials of the ceramic layers and internal electrode layers, which are dielectrics, but is preferably higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C, for example. Steps 1 to 6 are the laminate formation process. Note that hereinafter, the firing in step 6 may be referred to as firing the laminated chip. Furthermore, this firing fires the unfired internal electrode layer 16_U and the unfired ceramic layer 14_U, turning them into the internal electrode layer 16 and the ceramic layer 14.

 (工程7)次に、下地電極層用ペーストが積層体12の第1、第2の端面12e、12fに塗布されて焼成されることにより、外部電極30のうち下地電極層32が形成される。焼成温度は、700℃以上900℃以下であることが好ましい。 (Step 7) Next, the paste for the base electrode layer is applied to the first and second end faces 12e, 12f of the laminate 12 and fired to form the base electrode layer 32 of the external electrode 30. The firing temperature is preferably 700°C or higher and 900°C or lower.

 (工程8)次に、下地電極層32上にめっき層34を形成する。めっき層34は、例えば、下地電極層32上にNiめっき層及びSnめっき層が順に積層されて形成される。 (Step 8) Next, a plating layer 34 is formed on the base electrode layer 32. The plating layer 34 is formed, for example, by laminating a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer in this order on the base electrode layer 32.

 上述の製造工程により、積層セラミックコンデンサ10が製造される。 The multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is manufactured through the above-mentioned manufacturing process.

 ここで、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、上記の積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法により積層セラミックコンデンサ10が製造される場合には、上記の積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法のうち(工程5)において製造脱脂がまだされていない廃棄物であるとともに、(工程6)において積層チップの焼成が行われる前の廃棄物である。つまり、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程5)及び(工程6)を経る前の廃棄物である。例えば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程4)において積層ブロックがカットされた後に排出される、積層ブロックの端切れなどの余分な積層ブロックである。また、例えば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程4)においてカットされた後の積層チップの不良品である。また、例えば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程2)において準備された内部電極層のパターンが形成された誘電体シートである。なお、誘電体シートにおいてPETフィルムは除去されていることが好ましい。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程3)において各誘電体シートの積層がずれた状態である等の積層ブロックの不良品である。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程1)で準備された誘電体スラリー、内部電極層用の導電性ペーストの未使用分等である。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程1)及び(工程2)において準備された内部電極層のパターンが印刷されていない誘電体シートである。なお、誘電体シートにおいてPETフィルムは除去されていることが好ましい。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程1)の誘電体スラリー、内部電極層用の導電性ペーストに含まれる金属粉末、セラミック粉末、希土類粉末、樹脂成分等のそれぞれ、あるいは、これらのうち少なくとも一部が混在したものにおける未使用分等である。 Here, when the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is manufactured by the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 described above, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is waste that has not yet been degreased in (step 5) of the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 described above, and is waste before the firing of the laminated chip is performed in (step 6). In other words, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is waste before (step 5) and (step 6). For example, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is excess laminated blocks such as scraps of laminated blocks that are discharged after the laminated blocks are cut in (step 4). Also, for example, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is defective laminated chips after cutting in (step 4). Also, for example, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer prepared in (step 2) is formed. It is preferable that the PET film is removed from the dielectric sheet. Also, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is defective laminated blocks such as those in which the lamination of each dielectric sheet is misaligned in (step 3). The unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing includes the dielectric slurry prepared in (step 1), unused conductive paste for the internal electrode layer, etc. The unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing is a dielectric sheet on which the pattern of the internal electrode layer prepared in (step 1) and (step 2) is not printed. It is preferable that the PET film is removed from the dielectric sheet. The unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing includes the dielectric slurry in (step 1), metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, resin component, etc. contained in the conductive paste for the internal electrode layer, or unused portions of at least a mixture of these.

(2)分離回収方法のフロー
 図1を参照してこの発明の第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法のフローについて説明する。図1の分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートと、希土類成分の分離回収ルートと、金属成分の分離回収ルートと、を含む。希土類成分の分離回収ルート及び金属成分の分離回収ルートそれぞれは、共通の分離回収ルートから分岐する。
(2) Flow of the separation and recovery method The flow of the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The separation and recovery method in Fig. 1 includes a common separation and recovery route, a rare earth component separation and recovery route, and a metal component separation and recovery route. The rare earth component separation and recovery route and the metal component separation and recovery route each branch off from the common separation and recovery route.

 共通の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、工程(B)の微細化と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、を含む。工程(C)の磁性分離の後、希土類成分の分離回収ルートと金属成分の分離回収ルートとに分岐する。希土類成分の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含み、さらに工程(F)のろ過と、工程(G)の中和と、を含むことができる。また、金属成分の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含み、さらに工程(I)の各種処理を含むことができる。 The common separation and recovery route includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), recycling and degreasing in step (E), micronization in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C). After magnetic separation in step (C), the process branches into a separation and recovery route for rare earth components and a separation and recovery route for metal components. The separation and recovery route for rare earth components can include, for example, dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), and can further include filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G). The separation and recovery route for metal components can include, for example, dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H), and can further include various treatments in step (I).

(工程(A):製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備)
 工程(A)では、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は前述した通りである。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含む。金属粉末は主として未焼成時の内部電極層16_Uを構成している。セラミック粉末は主として未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uを構成している。
(Step (A): Preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing)
In step (A), unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, is prepared. The unfired waste before degreasing is as described above. The unfired waste before degreasing contains metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and a resin component. The metal powder mainly constitutes the internal electrode layer 16_U when unfired. The ceramic powder mainly constitutes the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired.

 金属粉末は、例えば金属原子の集合体である。金属粉末としては、前述の通り、磁性を有する金属を含む導電材料から構成することができ、磁性を有する金属は単体金属でも合金でもよい。磁性を有する金属としては、例えばNi及びFeを挙げることができる。これには限定されないが、例えば所定の原料を用いてCVD(chemical vapor deposition)法、PVD(physical vapor deposition)法、アトマイズ法、化学還元法等により金属粉末を製造することができる。そして、金属粉末の各種製造方法において製造条件を調整すること等により所望の粒径を有する金属粉末を得ることができる。また、特許第4280184号公報には、CVD法による金属粉末としてのNiの製造方法が開示されている。特許第4280184号公報によると、塩化ニッケル等の金属塩化物を加熱蒸発させて金属塩化物ガスを発生させ、次に金属塩化物ガスと還元ガスとを接触させて気相化学反応を起こさせることにより、平均粒径が5μm程度の微粒子ニッケル粉末を製造している。 Metal powder is, for example, an aggregate of metal atoms. As described above, the metal powder can be made of a conductive material containing a magnetic metal, and the magnetic metal may be a single metal or an alloy. Examples of magnetic metals include Ni and Fe. Although not limited to these, metal powders can be manufactured by, for example, using a predetermined raw material by a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method, a PVD (physical vapor deposition) method, an atomization method, a chemical reduction method, etc. Then, metal powders having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the manufacturing conditions in various manufacturing methods of metal powders. In addition, Patent No. 4280184 discloses a manufacturing method of Ni as metal powder by a CVD method. According to Patent No. 4280184, metal chlorides such as nickel chloride are heated and evaporated to generate metal chloride gas, and then the metal chloride gas is brought into contact with a reducing gas to cause a gas-phase chemical reaction, thereby manufacturing fine-particle nickel powder with an average particle size of about 5 μm.

 セラミック粉末は、誘電体材料の集合体である。誘電体材料としては、前述の通りBaTiO3、CaTiO3、SrTiO3、又はCaZrO3などを挙げることができる。これには限定されないが、固相法、ゾル-ゲル法、水熱法等によりセラミック粉末を製造することができる。そして、セラミック粉末の各種製造方法において製造条件を調整すること等により所望の粒径を有するセラミック粉末を得ることができる。また、特開2023-146779号公報によれば、セラミック粉末の一例であるBaTiO3は、一般的に、二酸化チタンなどのチタン原料と炭酸バリウムなどのバリウム原料とを反応させて合成することで得ることができる。 Ceramic powder is an aggregate of dielectric materials. As described above, examples of dielectric materials include BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , and CaZrO 3 . Ceramic powder can be produced by, but is not limited to, a solid-phase method, a sol-gel method, a hydrothermal method, and the like. Then, a ceramic powder having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the production conditions in various methods for producing ceramic powder. In addition, according to JP 2023-146779 A, BaTiO 3 , which is an example of ceramic powder, can generally be obtained by reacting a titanium raw material such as titanium dioxide with a barium raw material such as barium carbonate to synthesize it.

 希土類粉末は、希土類原子の集合体である。希土類原子は、前述の通り、Dy、Sc、Y、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Pm、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Luのうち少なくとも1種を挙げることができる。これには限定されないが、例えば噴霧熱分解、CVD法、均一沈殿法、ゾルゲル法、逆ミセル法、水熱合成法等により希土類粉末を製造することができる。そして、希土類粉末の各種製造方法において製造条件を調整すること等により所望の粒径を有する希土類粉末を得ることができる。また、特許第5987778号公報に開示されている希土類の製造方法等によっても希土類粉末を製造可能である。 Rare earth powder is a collection of rare earth atoms. As mentioned above, the rare earth atoms can be at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Although not limited to these, rare earth powder can be manufactured by spray pyrolysis, CVD, homogeneous precipitation, sol-gel method, reverse micelle method, hydrothermal synthesis, etc. Furthermore, rare earth powder having a desired particle size can be obtained by adjusting the manufacturing conditions in various manufacturing methods of rare earth powder. Rare earth powder can also be manufactured by the manufacturing method of rare earth disclosed in Patent No. 5987778.

 セラミック粉末は、第1のセラミック粉末と、第2のセラミック粉末と、を含む。第2のセラミック粉末は第1のセラミック粉末よりも粒径が小さい。また、第1のセラミック粉末は、未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uを主として構成している。以下、単にセラミック粉末と言う場合は、第1のセラミック粉末及び第2のセラミック粉末の少なくともいずれかを言うものとする。第1のセラミック粉末としては、例えば、比表面積が1m2/g以上10m2/g以下の中から選定されうるものである。第2のセラミック粉末としては、例えば、比表面積が10m2/g以上100m2/g以下の中から選定されうるものである。金属粉末としては、例えば、比表面積が1m2/g以上10m2/g以下の中から選定されうるものである。そして、第2のセラミック粉末は、金属粉末の共材としての機能を果たすものであるので、金属粉末よりも粒径が小さくなる。よって、比表面積の関係は、第2のセラミック粉末>金属粉末となるように選定される。 The ceramic powder includes a first ceramic powder and a second ceramic powder. The second ceramic powder has a smaller particle size than the first ceramic powder. The first ceramic powder mainly constitutes the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired. Hereinafter, when simply referring to ceramic powder, it refers to at least one of the first ceramic powder and the second ceramic powder. The first ceramic powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 1 m 2 /g or more and 10 m 2 /g or less. The second ceramic powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 10 m 2 /g or more and 100 m 2 /g or less. The metal powder may have a specific surface area of, for example, 1 m 2 /g or more and 10 m 2 /g or less. The second ceramic powder functions as a co-material of the metal powder, so that the particle size is smaller than that of the metal powder. Therefore, the specific surface area is selected so that the second ceramic powder is larger than the metal powder.

 製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物において、金属粉末とセラミック粉末が少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。本実施の形態では、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物において、金属粉末、第1のセラミック粉末、第2のセラミック粉末及び希土類粉末が少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。そして、本実施の形態においては、主として、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、希土類粉末と第1のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。 In the unfired waste before production and degreasing, the metal powder and the ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other. In this embodiment, in the unfired waste before production and degreasing, the metal powder, the first ceramic powder, the second ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder are at least partially adhered to each other. And, in this embodiment, mainly, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.

 なお、金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末の付着の態様としては、例えば以下の態様を挙げることができる。例えば、金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている場合、セラミック粉末と希土類粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている場合、金属粉末と希土類粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている場合、金属粉末とセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている場合等が挙げられる。ここで、付着しているとは、金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末等の粉末どうしが化学的に結合していないことを主として意味する。ただし、付着しているの意味には、金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末等の粉末どうしの一部が化学的に結合していることが含まれていてもよい。なお、化学的な結合とは、イオン結合、共有結合、金属結合など、複数の原子どうしが正の電荷及び負の電荷により互いに引き付けられて結びついている結合である。 The following are examples of the manner in which the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are attached to each other. For example, the metal powder and ceramic powder are at least partially attached to each other, the ceramic powder and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other, the metal powder and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other, and the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are at least partially attached to each other. Here, "attached" mainly means that the powders such as the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are not chemically bonded to each other. However, the meaning of "attached" may also include that the powders such as the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are partially chemically bonded to each other. The chemical bond is a bond in which multiple atoms are attracted to each other by positive and negative charges and are connected to each other, such as an ionic bond, a covalent bond, or a metallic bond.

 なお、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物において、このように粉末どうしが基本的には化学的に結合しておらず互いに付着した状態であるのは、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物が工程5の脱脂温度(800℃より高く1000℃以下)で脱脂されておらず、さらに、工程6において積層チップが焼成(1000℃より高く1400℃以下)されていないからである。特に、工程6の焼成温度(1000℃より高く1400℃以下)による焼成では粉末どうしが化学的に結合し得るが、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物はこの工程6を経ていないため、粉末どうしが基本的には化学的に結合しておらず互いに付着した状態である。 The reason why the powder particles in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing are not basically chemically bonded to each other and are instead stuck together is because the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing is not degreased at the degreasing temperature in step 5 (higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C), and the laminated chips are not fired in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C). In particular, the powder particles can be chemically bonded to each other when fired at the firing temperature in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and lower than 1400°C), but the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing does not go through step 6, so the powder particles are basically not chemically bonded to each other and are instead stuck together.

 また、少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っているとは、例えば、金属粉末とセラミック粉末との付着を例に挙げて説明すれば以下の通りである。金属粉末とセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている場合、金属粉末の全てがセラミック粉末と付着し合っている必要はなく、金属粉末の少なくとも一部がセラミック粉末と付着し合っていればよい。また、セラミック粉末の全てが金属粉末と付着し合っている必要はなく、セラミック粉末の少なくとも一部が金属粉末と付着し合っていればよい。その他のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末との付着等についても同様のことが言える。 Furthermore, at least partially adhered to each other can be explained by taking the adhesion between a metal powder and a ceramic powder as an example, as follows. When a metal powder and a ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other, it is not necessary for all of the metal powder to adhere to the ceramic powder, as long as at least a portion of the metal powder adheres to the ceramic powder. Also, it is not necessary for all of the ceramic powder to adhere to the metal powder, as long as at least a portion of the ceramic powder adheres to the metal powder. The same can be said for other adhesions such as between ceramic powder and rare earth powder.

 上述の通り、本実施の形態の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含む。さらに言えば、本実施の形態の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とを含む。ここで、金属粉末含有物は金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含むものをいうものとする。また、希土類粉末含有物は希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含むものをいうものとする。そして、本実施の形態では、金属粉末含有物は金属粉末及び第2のセラミック粉末を含むものをいい、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。また、本実施の形態では、希土類粉末含有物は希土類粉末及び第1のセラミック粉末を含むものをいい、希土類粉末と第1のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。 As described above, the unfired waste before degreasing in the present embodiment includes metal powder, ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and resin component. More specifically, the unfired waste before degreasing in the present embodiment includes metal powder-containing material and rare earth powder-containing material. Here, metal powder-containing material refers to material containing metal powder and ceramic powder. Also, rare earth powder-containing material refers to material containing rare earth powder and ceramic powder. And, in the present embodiment, metal powder-containing material refers to material containing metal powder and second ceramic powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other. Also, in the present embodiment, rare earth powder-containing material refers to material containing rare earth powder and first ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.

 樹脂成分は、誘電体シート及び内部電極層用の導電性ペーストを生成するためのバインダ及び溶剤である。バインダ及び溶剤は、樹脂成分を含んで構成されるものであり、樹脂成分としては、例えば、エポキシ樹脂、フェノキシ樹脂、フェノール樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、ポリイミド樹脂などの公知の種々の熱硬化性樹脂を使用することができる。なお、前述の通り、Si等の無機元素は脱脂(製造脱脂、リサイクル脱脂等の脱脂を含む)によっても除去することが困難であり、この無機元素がコンタミとして製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中に残存することにより希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収に悪影響を与える。よって、樹脂成分としては、Si等の無機元素のような脱脂(製造脱脂、リサイクル脱脂等の脱脂を含む)において除去することが困難なものを含まない樹脂が好ましい。 The resin components are binders and solvents for producing conductive pastes for the dielectric sheets and internal electrode layers. The binders and solvents are composed of resin components, and various known thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, phenoxy resins, phenolic resins, urethane resins, and polyimide resins can be used as the resin components. As mentioned above, inorganic elements such as Si are difficult to remove even by degreasing (including degreasing in manufacturing degreasing, recycling degreasing, etc.), and these inorganic elements remain as contaminants in the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing, which adversely affects the separation and recovery of rare earth components and metal components. Therefore, it is preferable that the resin components do not contain inorganic elements such as Si that are difficult to remove in degreasing (including degreasing in manufacturing degreasing, recycling degreasing, etc.).

 図5を用いて製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物である積層チップにおける粉末の状態について説明する。図5に示されている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は(工程5)の製造脱脂及び(工程6)の積層チップの焼成を経る前の廃棄物である。図5の模式図では、この製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる各種粉末の状態が表されている。なお、図5では樹脂成分の図示を省略している。図5に示すように、本実施の形態では、未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uは第1のセラミック粉末(図5中のBT1)を主として含んで構成されている。そして、未焼成時のセラミック層14_Uでは、第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末(図5中のDy)とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。図5の例に示すように、第1のセラミック粉末の表面に希土類粉末が主として付着した状態となっており、基本的には第1のセラミック粉末の内部に希土類粉末が入り込んで化学的に結合した状態ではない。また、本実施の形態では、未焼成時の内部電極層16_Uは金属粉末(図5中のNi)を主として含んで構成されている。そして、未焼成時の内部電極層16_Uでは、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末(図5中のBT2)とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。図5の例に示すように、金属粉末の表面に第2のセラミック粉末が主として付着した状態となっており、基本的には金属粉末の内部に第2のセラミック粉末が入り込んで化学的に結合した状態ではない。 The state of the powder in the laminated chip, which is the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing, will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing shown in FIG. 5 is waste before undergoing manufacturing and degreasing (step 5) and firing of the laminated chip (step 6). In the schematic diagram of FIG. 5, the state of various powders contained in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing is shown. Note that the resin component is omitted in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired is mainly composed of the first ceramic powder (BT 1 in FIG. 5). And, in the ceramic layer 14_U when unfired, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder (Dy in FIG. 5) are at least partially adhered to each other. As shown in the example of FIG. 5, the rare earth powder is mainly adhered to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and basically, the rare earth powder does not penetrate into the inside of the first ceramic powder and is not chemically bonded. In the present embodiment, the unsintered internal electrode layer 16_U is mainly composed of metal powder (Ni in FIG. 5). In the unsintered internal electrode layer 16_U, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder ( BT2 in FIG. 5) are at least partially adhered to each other. As shown in the example of FIG. 5, the second ceramic powder is mainly adhered to the surface of the metal powder, and the second ceramic powder is not basically infiltrated into the metal powder and chemically bonded thereto.

(工程(E):リサイクル脱脂)
 工程(E)では、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から樹脂成分を除去する。以下、ここでの樹脂成分の除去をリサイクル脱脂という。リサイクル脱脂は、例えば製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を所定の脱脂温度により脱脂することにより行われる。リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度は、例えば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末などの少なくともいずれかにおいて化学的な結合が開始する手前の温度である。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の焼成における化学的な結合には、例えば、金属粉末とセラミック粉末との化学的な結合、セラミック粉末と希土類粉末との化学的な結合、金属粉末と希土類粉末との化学的な結合、金属粉末とセラミック粉末と希土類粉末との化学的な結合などが含まれる。リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度は、例えば600℃以上1000℃以下であることが好ましい。リサイクル脱脂における脱脂の時間は樹脂成分がなくなるまで行われるのが好ましい。また、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂の時間は、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の量、脱脂温度等によるが、例えば約1時間以上約24時間以下である。また、リサイクル脱脂は、窒素雰囲気、水素と水とを含む雰囲気等の還元雰囲気において行われることが好ましい。
(Step (E): Recycling Degreasing)
In step (E), resin components are removed from the unburned waste before production degreasing. Hereinafter, the removal of resin components here is referred to as recycling degreasing. Recycling degreasing is performed, for example, by degreasing the unburned waste before production degreasing at a predetermined degreasing temperature. The degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is, for example, a temperature just before chemical bonding begins in at least one of metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder contained in the unburned waste before production degreasing. The chemical bonding in firing the unburned waste before production degreasing includes, for example, chemical bonding between metal powder and ceramic powder, chemical bonding between ceramic powder and rare earth powder, chemical bonding between metal powder and rare earth powder, and chemical bonding between metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder. The degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is preferably, for example, 600°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. The degreasing time in recycling degreasing is preferably performed until the resin components are gone. The degreasing time in the recycling degreasing depends on the amount of unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing, the degreasing temperature, etc., but is, for example, about 1 hour or more and about 24 hours or less. The recycling degreasing is preferably carried out in a reducing atmosphere such as a nitrogen atmosphere or an atmosphere containing hydrogen and water.

 製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物には樹脂成分が含まれており、例えば工程(C)の磁性分離において樹脂成分が金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物との分離を阻害し得る。そこで、前述の工程(E)において樹脂成分を除去するリサイクル脱脂が行われる。リサイクル脱脂は製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を例えば所定の脱脂温度で脱脂することにより行われる。しかし、この焼成により製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる粉末どうしが化学的に結合してしまうと、まずは金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物との分離が困難となり、ひいては金属成分及び希土類成分の分離回収が困難となる。そこで、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度を、上述の通り、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末などの少なくともいずれかにおいて化学的な結合が開始する手前の温度としている。これにより、まずは金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とを分離し易くすることができる。そして、ひいては、金属成分及び希土類成分等を高品位で分離回収し易くすることができる。 Unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing contains resin components, which may hinder the separation of metal powder-containing materials and rare earth powder-containing materials in, for example, the magnetic separation in step (C). Therefore, in the above-mentioned step (E), recycling degreasing is performed to remove the resin components. Recycling degreasing is performed by degreasing unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing at, for example, a predetermined degreasing temperature. However, if the powders contained in the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing are chemically bonded to each other by this firing, it becomes difficult to separate the metal powder-containing materials and the rare earth powder-containing materials, and thus it becomes difficult to separate and recover the metal components and rare earth components. Therefore, as described above, the degreasing temperature in recycling degreasing is set to a temperature just before chemical bonding begins in at least one of the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder contained in the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing. This makes it easier to separate the metal powder-containing materials and the rare earth powder-containing materials. This in turn makes it easier to separate and recover the metal components and rare earth components at a high quality.

 また、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度を上述の通り600℃以上1000℃以下とすることにより、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末などの少なくともいずれかにおいて化学的な結合を抑制することができる。よって、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から金属成分と希土類成分とを容易に分離し易い。
 なお、上記ではリサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度を600℃以上1000℃以下としている。しかし、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度の下限値は、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中の樹脂成分が未焼成の状態で残存する温度より高い温度等を考慮して設定することができる。また、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度の上限値は、リサイクル脱脂における脱脂温度の上限値まで製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の温度を上昇させるのに要する電力量、リサイクル脱脂後に残存した樹脂成分を含む溶液の河川への排水基準等を考慮して設定することができる。
In addition, by setting the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing to 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower as described above, chemical bonding can be suppressed in at least one of metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder contained in the unburned waste before production and degreasing, and therefore metal components and rare earth components can be easily separated from the unburned waste before production and degreasing.
In the above, the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing is set to 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower. However, the lower limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing can be set in consideration of a temperature higher than the temperature at which the resin components in the unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing remain in an unburned state, etc. Also, the upper limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing can be set in consideration of the amount of electricity required to raise the temperature of the unburned waste before the manufacturing degreasing to the upper limit of the degreasing temperature in the recycling degreasing, the discharge standard into a river for the solution containing the resin components remaining after the recycling degreasing, etc.

(工程(B):微細化)
 工程(B)では、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化する。例えば、これに限定されないが、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を粉砕することにより微細化する。粉砕は、これに限定されないが、例えば振動ミル等を用いて対象物に振動による粉砕力を与える方法、対象物をすり潰す方法、対象物に打撃による粉砕力を与える方法等により行われる。製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる金属粉末及びセラミック粉末等の各成分の粒径程度、例えば誘電体スラリー及び内部電極層用の導電性ペースト等の原料となる際の各成分の粒径程度にまで製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化することが好ましい。これにより、各成分の分離回収が容易となるためである。微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の平均粒径は限定されない。平均粒径は、例えばふるいを用いて求めることができる。
(Process (B): Refinement)
In step (B), the unfired waste before degreasing is pulverized. For example, but not limited to, the unfired waste before degreasing is pulverized by pulverizing. The pulverization is performed, but not limited to, for example, by a method of applying a pulverizing force by vibration to the object using a vibration mill or the like, a method of grinding the object, a method of applying a pulverizing force by impact to the object, and the like. It is preferable to pulverize the unfired waste before degreasing to the particle size of each component such as metal powder and ceramic powder contained in the unfired waste before degreasing, for example, to the particle size of each component when it becomes a raw material for dielectric slurry and conductive paste for internal electrode layers. This makes it easy to separate and recover each component. The average particle size of the unfired waste before degreasing after pulverization is not limited. The average particle size can be determined, for example, using a sieve.

(工程(C):磁性分離)
 工程(C)の磁性分離では、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて磁性分離する。つまり、金属粉末含有物と、希土類粉末含有物とに分離して回収する。
(Step (C): Magnetic separation)
In the magnetic separation step (C), the unburned waste after being pulverized in step (B) and before being degreased is magnetically separated using a magnet. That is, the waste is separated into a material containing metal powder and a material containing rare earth powder and then recovered.

 磁性分離後の金属粉末含有物は、内部電極層の主成分である例えばNi(図1中の金属粉末含有物のNi)等の金属粉末を主として含む。この金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末の表面等には、BaTiO3等のセラミック粉末、具体的には第2のセラミック粉末(図1中の金属粉末含有物のBT2)が付着している。ここで金属粉末は、磁性を有する金属を含む。一方、第2のセラミック粉末は磁性を有さない。磁性分離により、金属粉末含有物は磁着物として分離される。具体的には、金属粉末含有物においては、磁性を有する金属粉末が磁着物として分離される際に、この金属粉末に磁性を有さない第2のセラミック粉末が付着して巻き込まれた状態となっている。ただし、金属粉末含有物中の金属粉末の表面等に第2のセラミック粉末が必ずしも付着していない場合もあるし、金属粉末の表面等にその他の粉末が付着している場合もある。その他の粉末は、例えば、第1のセラミック粉末、希土類粉末、セラミックや希土類成分以外の添加物(Mg、Mn、Vなど)の粉末等が挙げられる。 The metal powder inclusion after magnetic separation mainly contains metal powder such as Ni (Ni of the metal powder inclusion in FIG. 1), which is the main component of the internal electrode layer. Ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 , specifically the second ceramic powder (BT 2 of the metal powder inclusion in FIG. 1) is attached to the surface of the metal powder in the metal powder inclusion. Here, the metal powder contains a magnetic metal. On the other hand, the second ceramic powder is not magnetic. By magnetic separation, the metal powder inclusion is separated as a magnetic substance. Specifically, in the metal powder inclusion, when the magnetic metal powder is separated as a magnetic substance, the second ceramic powder, which does not have magnetism, is attached to the metal powder and is caught in it. However, the second ceramic powder may not necessarily be attached to the surface of the metal powder in the metal powder inclusion, or other powders may be attached to the surface of the metal powder. Examples of other powders include the first ceramic powder, rare earth powder, and powders of additives other than ceramic and rare earth components (Mg, Mn, V, etc.).

 この磁性分離により、金属粉末含有物を金属成分として分離回収することができる。例えば、Ni等の金属粉末の表面等に第2のセラミック粉末であるBaTiO3が付着したものを含む金属粉末含有物を金属成分として分離回収することができる。なお、本発明では、金属成分の分離回収には、金属成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、金属粉末含有物を金属成分として分離回収することが含まれる。 This magnetic separation allows the metal powder-containing material to be separated and recovered as a metal component. For example, a metal powder-containing material containing a metal powder such as Ni with a second ceramic powder BaTiO3 attached to its surface can be separated and recovered as a metal component. In the present invention, the separation and recovery of a metal component includes not only the separation and recovery of the metal component itself, but also the separation and recovery of a metal powder-containing material as a metal component.

 なお、金属成分には、金属原子そのもの、金属原子が他の原子等と化学的に反応した反応物である金属成分化合物、金属原子の溶液、金属成分化合物の溶液等が含まれる。また、金属成分の状態は、液体状態、固体状態、液体及び固体の混合状態のいずれであってもよい。また、金属成分は、非晶質の状態、結晶質の状態、非晶質及び結晶質が混在した状態のいずれであってもよい。 Metal components include metal atoms themselves, metal component compounds which are reactants of metal atoms chemically reacting with other atoms, solutions of metal atoms, solutions of metal component compounds, etc. The state of the metal component may be any of a liquid state, a solid state, or a mixed state of liquid and solid. The metal component may also be in any of an amorphous state, a crystalline state, or a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.

 また、磁性分離後の希土類粉末含有物は、未焼成時のセラミック層の主成分である例えばBaTiO3等のセラミック粉末、具体的には第1のセラミック粉末(図1中の希土類粉末含有物のBT1)を主として含む。この希土類粉末含有物の第1のセラミック粉末の表面等には、Dy等の希土類粉末(図1中の希土類粉末含有物のDy)が付着している。ここで、第1のセラミック粉末及び希土類粉末は磁性を有さない。よって、磁性分離により、第1のセラミック粉末及び希土類粉末は非磁着物として分離される。ただし、希土類粉末含有物中の第1のセラミック粉末の表面等に希土類粉末が必ずしも付着していない場合もあるし、第1のセラミック粉末の表面等にその他の粉末が付着している場合もある。 In addition, the rare earth powder-containing material after magnetic separation mainly contains ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 , which is the main component of the ceramic layer when unfired, specifically the first ceramic powder (BT 1 of the rare earth powder-containing material in FIG. 1). Rare earth powder such as Dy (Dy of the rare earth powder-containing material in FIG. 1) is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder of this rare earth powder-containing material. Here, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not magnetic. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are separated as non-magnetic materials by magnetic separation. However, there are cases where the rare earth powder is not necessarily attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material, and there are cases where other powders are attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder.

 この磁性分離により希土類粉末含有物を希土類成分として分離回収することができる。例えば、BaTiO3等の第1のセラミック粉末の表面等に希土類粉末であるDyが付着したものを主として含む希土類粉末含有物を希土類成分として分離回収することができる。なお、本発明では、希土類成分の分離回収には、希土類成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、希土類粉末含有物を希土類成分として分離回収することが含まれる。 This magnetic separation allows the rare earth powder-containing material to be separated and recovered as a rare earth component. For example, the rare earth powder-containing material mainly containing a first ceramic powder such as BaTiO 3 with a rare earth powder Dy attached to its surface can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component. In the present invention, the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth powder-containing material as a rare earth component.

 なお、希土類成分には、希土類原子そのもの、希土類原子が他の原子等と化学的に反応した反応物である希土類成分化合物、希土類原子の溶液、希土類成分化合物の溶液等が含まれる。また、希土類成分の状態は、液体状態、固体状態、液体及び固体の混合状態のいずれであってもよい。また、希土類成分は、非晶質の状態、結晶質の状態、非晶質及び結晶質が混在した状態のいずれであってもよい。 The rare earth component includes rare earth atoms themselves, rare earth component compounds which are products of chemical reactions of rare earth atoms with other atoms, solutions of rare earth atoms, solutions of rare earth component compounds, etc. The rare earth component may be in a liquid state, a solid state, or a mixed state of liquid and solid. The rare earth component may be in an amorphous state, a crystalline state, or a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.

 なお、磁性分離の際に、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して分散することにより混合状態とした後、磁石を用いて分離することが好ましい。有機溶媒としては、アルコール系の有機溶媒や、炭化水素系の有機溶媒を挙げることができる。例えば、有機溶媒として、メタノール、エタノール、プロパノール、トルエン、キシレン、シクロヘキサン又はそれらの混合物などを用いることができる。 In addition, during magnetic separation, it is preferable to mix and disperse the unburned waste before production and degreasing after being pulverized in step (B) with water or an organic solvent, and then separate using a magnet. Examples of organic solvents that can be used include alcohol-based organic solvents and hydrocarbon-based organic solvents. For example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or mixtures thereof can be used as the organic solvent.

 微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して混合状態、つまりスラリー状態とすると、微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物に含まれる金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とを分散した状態とすることができる。よって、工程(C)において、金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とを磁石を用いて分離し易い。微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物が乾燥した状態であると、金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とは、スラリー状態の場合よりも分散状態が低い傾向にある。よって、例えば、金属粉末含有物を磁石に引き付ける際に希土類粉末含有物が金属粉末含有物に巻き込まれて磁石に引き付けられ、金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物との分離が困難な場合がある。 When the finely divided unburned waste before production and degreasing is mixed with water or an organic solvent to form a mixed state, i.e., a slurry state, the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material contained in the finely divided unburned waste before production and degreasing can be made to be in a dispersed state. Therefore, in step (C), the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material can be easily separated using a magnet. When the finely divided unburned waste before production and degreasing is in a dry state, the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material tend to be less dispersed than when in a slurry state. Therefore, for example, when the metal powder-containing material is attracted to a magnet, the rare earth powder-containing material is caught in the metal powder-containing material and attracted to the magnet, making it difficult to separate the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material.

(工程(D):希土類粉末含有物の溶解)
 工程(D)では、工程(C)において分離回収され希土類粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解する。これにより、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末を未溶解物として沈殿させるとともに、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する。鉱酸は、例えば、硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種である。このとき希土類成分は希土類成分含有溶液として分離回収される。本発明では、希土類成分の分離回収には、希土類成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、希土類成分含有溶液を希土類成分として分離回収することが含まれる。
(Step (D): Dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material)
In step (D), the rare earth powder-containing material separated and recovered in step (C) is dissolved in a mineral acid. This causes the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material to precipitate as an undissolved substance, and generates a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component. The mineral acid is, for example, at least one selected from the group including sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid. At this time, the rare earth component is separated and recovered as a rare earth component-containing solution. In the present invention, the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth component-containing solution as a rare earth component.

 工程(D)において、鉱酸の添加により希土類成分含有溶液がpH1.5以上pH2.5以下となるように調整することが好ましい。 In step (D), it is preferable to adjust the pH of the rare earth component-containing solution to 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding a mineral acid.

 工程(D)において鉱酸を用いて希土類成分含有溶液をpH1.5以上pH2.5以下に調整することにより、主として希土類粉末を希土類成分として鉱酸に溶解することができる。また、pHを上記範囲よりも強酸に調整すると第1のセラミック粉末等が鉱酸に溶解してしまう場合があるため、上記範囲にpHを調整することが好ましい。より好ましくは、希土類成分含有溶液が鉱酸の添加によりpH2となるように調整する。 In step (D), the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less using a mineral acid, so that the rare earth powder can be dissolved in the mineral acid as a rare earth component. Furthermore, if the pH is adjusted to a stronger acid than the above range, the first ceramic powder, etc. may dissolve in the mineral acid, so it is preferable to adjust the pH to within the above range. More preferably, the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 2 by adding a mineral acid.

 なお、工程(C)においてスラリー状態である製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を磁性分離した場合、分離された希土類粉末含有物は約pH7のスラリー状態である。このスラリーに鉱酸を添加することによりpH1.5以上pH2.5以下に調整された希土類成分含有溶液を生成することもできる。ただし、磁性分離後の希土類粉末含有物はスラリー状態である必要はなく、乾燥状態であってもよい。 When the unburned waste before production and degreasing, which is in a slurry state, is magnetically separated in step (C), the separated rare earth powder-containing material is in a slurry state with a pH of about 7. By adding a mineral acid to this slurry, it is also possible to produce a rare earth component-containing solution with an adjusted pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less. However, the rare earth powder-containing material after magnetic separation does not need to be in a slurry state and may be in a dry state.

 鉱酸としては、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末が例えばBaTiO3である場合、硫酸を用いることが好ましい。硫酸を用いた場合、BaTiO3である第1のセラミック粉末の表面に不溶性のBaSO4が形成されるため、第1のセラミック粉末を沈殿させることができる。一方、希土類粉末を硫酸に溶解させることができる。具体的に、例えば、BaTiO3の表面にDyが付着したものを主として含む希土類粉末含有物を硫酸に溶解することにより、BaTiO3が沈殿するとともに、Dyが硫酸に溶解した硫酸ジスプロシウム(Dy2(SO43)溶液が希土類成分含有溶液として生成される。 As the mineral acid, when the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is , for example, BaTiO 3 , sulfuric acid is preferably used. When sulfuric acid is used, insoluble BaSO 4 is formed on the surface of the first ceramic powder, which is BaTiO 3, so that the first ceramic powder can be precipitated. On the other hand, the rare earth powder can be dissolved in sulfuric acid. Specifically, for example, by dissolving a rare earth powder-containing material mainly containing BaTiO 3 with Dy attached to the surface in sulfuric acid, BaTiO 3 is precipitated and a dysprosium sulfate (Dy 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ) solution in which Dy is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a rare earth component-containing solution.

 なお、鉱酸としては前述の通り硫酸以外の塩酸等を用いることもできる。ただし、例えば、鉱酸として塩酸を用いた場合は、第1のセラミック粉末であるBaTiO3の表面に溶解性であるBaCl2が形成される。よって、第1のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに希土類粉末を溶解させるように塩酸等のpH調整を精度よく行うことが好ましい。 As described above, hydrochloric acid or the like can be used as the mineral acid other than sulfuric acid. However, for example, when hydrochloric acid is used as the mineral acid, soluble BaCl 2 is formed on the surface of the first ceramic powder BaTiO 3. Therefore, it is preferable to accurately adjust the pH of hydrochloric acid or the like so as to precipitate the first ceramic powder and dissolve the rare earth powder.

(工程(F):ろ過)
 工程(F)では、工程(D)において生成された、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末を含む希土類成分含有溶液をろ過することにより、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末と希土類成分含有溶液とを固液分離する。この固液分離により、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末を含む希土類成分含有溶液から、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末が除去された希土類成分含有溶液を希土類成分として分離回収することができる。
(Step (F): Filtration)
In step (F), the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder produced in step (D) is filtered to separate the precipitated first ceramic powder and the rare earth component-containing solution into a solid-liquid separation. By this solid-liquid separation, the rare earth component-containing solution from which the precipitated first ceramic powder has been removed can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component from the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder.

 例えば、工程(D)において、BaTiO3が沈殿するとともに、希土類成分含有溶液としてDyが硫酸に溶解した硫酸ジスプロシウム(Dy2(SO43)溶液が生成されているとする。この場合、工程(F)のろ過により、BaTiO3が除去された硫酸ジスプロシウム溶液を希土類成分として分離回収することができる。 For example, in step (D), BaTiO3 is precipitated and a dysprosium sulfate ( Dy2 ( SO4 ) 3 ) solution in which Dy is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a rare earth component-containing solution. In this case, the dysprosium sulfate solution from which BaTiO3 has been removed can be separated and recovered as rare earth components by filtration in step (F).

 ろ過は、ろ紙(ろ布)を用いて行うことができる。ろ紙(ろ布)のメッシュの程度は、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末がろ紙(ろ布)を通過しない程度であると好ましい。 The filtration can be performed using filter paper (filter cloth). It is preferable that the mesh size of the filter paper (filter cloth) is such that the precipitated first ceramic powder does not pass through the filter paper (filter cloth).

 工程(D)において生成された、沈殿している第1のセラミック粉末を含む希土類成分含有溶液を固液分離できればよく、ろ過による固液分離に限定されず、デカンテーション、遠心分離など、公知の方法から適宜選択することにより固液分離することができる。なお、ろ過がより好ましい。 As long as the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated first ceramic powder produced in step (D) can be separated into solid and liquid, the solid-liquid separation is not limited to filtration, and can be appropriately selected from known methods such as decantation and centrifugation. Filtration is more preferable.

(工程(G):中和)
 工程(G)では、工程(F)で得た希土類成分含有溶液を中和することにより、希土類成分を沈殿させて回収する。沈殿した希土類成分は、中和された希土類成分含有溶液を例えばろ過することにより分離回収される。このとき希土類成分は中和により希土類成分化合物(例えばDy(OH)3等)として分離回収される。本発明では、希土類成分の分離回収には、希土類成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、希土類成分が化学的に反応した反応物である希土類成分化合物を希土類成分として分離回収することが含まれる。
(Step (G): Neutralization)
In step (G), the rare earth component-containing solution obtained in step (F) is neutralized to precipitate and recover the rare earth component. The precipitated rare earth component is separated and recovered, for example, by filtering the neutralized rare earth component-containing solution. At this time, the rare earth component is separated and recovered as a rare earth component compound (e.g., Dy(OH) 3 , etc.) by neutralization. In the present invention, the separation and recovery of the rare earth component includes not only the separation and recovery of the rare earth component itself, but also the separation and recovery of the rare earth component compound, which is a reaction product of the rare earth component chemically reacted, as the rare earth component.

 中和には、アルカリを用いる。アルカリとしては、例えば、水酸化ナトリウム、水酸化カリウムなどを挙げることができる。酸化還元電位が変化すると希土類成分が沈殿するpHの範囲が変化し得るが、アルカリとしてこれらを用いることにより希土類成分が沈殿するpHの範囲を安定にすることができる。 An alkali is used for neutralization. Examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. When the redox potential changes, the pH range in which rare earth components precipitate can change, but by using these as alkalis, the pH range in which rare earth components precipitate can be stabilized.

 また、工程(G)の中和では、希土類成分含有溶液をpH6以上pH9以下に調整することにより希土類成分を回収する。これにより、中和反応による沈殿物を希土類成分として効率よく分離回収することができる。より好ましくは、希土類成分含有溶液がアルカリの添加によりpH8となるように調整する。 In addition, in the neutralization step (G), the rare earth components are recovered by adjusting the pH of the rare earth component-containing solution to between pH 6 and pH 9. This allows the precipitate resulting from the neutralization reaction to be efficiently separated and recovered as rare earth components. More preferably, the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to pH 8 by adding an alkali.

 例えば、工程(F)のろ過において、BaTiO3が除去された硫酸ジスプロシウム溶液を得ている場合、水酸化ナトリウムによる中和により水酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy(OH)3)が希土類成分化合物として得られる。つまり、硫酸ジスプロシウム溶液が酸性であるため、アルカリにより中和することにより希土類成分であるジスプロシウムを水酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy(OH)3)として沈殿させて分離回収することができる。ここで、硫酸ジスプロシウム溶液をアルカリにより中和した溶液をろ過することにより水酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy(OH)3)を分離回収することができる。ろ過以外にもデカンテーション、遠心分離など、公知の方法を用いることができる。 For example, in the filtration of step (F), when a dysprosium sulfate solution from which BaTiO 3 has been removed is obtained, dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) is obtained as a rare earth component compound by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. That is, since the dysprosium sulfate solution is acidic, the rare earth component dysprosium can be precipitated as dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) by neutralizing it with an alkali, and separated and recovered. Here, dysprosium hydroxide (Dy(OH) 3 ) can be separated and recovered by filtering the solution obtained by neutralizing the dysprosium sulfate solution with an alkali. In addition to filtration, known methods such as decantation and centrifugation can be used.

 なお、工程(C)の磁性分離で金属粉末含有物として分離されず、希土類粉末含有物に巻き込まれた状態の金属成分(いわゆるコンタミ)がある。よって、工程(D)の溶解において生成された希土類成分含有溶液にコンタミである金属成分が含まれる場合がある。この金属成分は、例えばTi、Mn、Ni等である。そして、工程(G)において希土類成分含有溶液にアルカリを加えて例えばpH3以上pH5以下、好ましくは約pH4に調整することにより、Ti及びMn等を分離回収することができる。この場合、Tiは例えばTi(OH)4として沈殿し、Mnは例えばMn(OH)2として沈殿する。よって、約pH4に調整された希土類成分含有溶液をろ過してTi(OH)4及びMn(OH)2等を回収する。 In addition, there are metal components (so-called contaminants) that are not separated as metal powder-containing materials in the magnetic separation in step (C) and are in a state of being entangled in the rare earth powder-containing materials. Therefore, the rare earth component-containing solution produced in the dissolution in step (D) may contain metal components that are contaminants. These metal components are, for example, Ti, Mn, Ni, etc. Then, in step (G), an alkali is added to the rare earth component-containing solution to adjust the pH to, for example, from 3 to 5, preferably about pH 4, so that Ti, Mn, etc. can be separated and recovered. In this case, Ti precipitates as, for example, Ti(OH) 4 , and Mn precipitates as, for example, Mn(OH) 2. Therefore, the rare earth component-containing solution adjusted to about pH 4 is filtered to recover Ti(OH) 4 , Mn(OH) 2 , etc.

 その後、Ti及びMn等が分離された希土類成分含有溶液にさらにアルカリを加えて上記のようにpH6以上pH9以下、好ましくは約pH8に調整することにより、希土類成分を分離回収する。 Then, the rare earth components are separated and recovered by adding an alkali to the solution containing the rare earth components from which Ti, Mn, etc. have been separated and adjusted to a pH of 6 or more and 9 or less, preferably about pH 8, as described above.

 その後、Ti及びMn、希土類成分等が分離された溶液にさらにアルカリを加えて例えばpH9を超えてpH11以下、好ましくは約pH10に調整することにより、Ni等を分離回収することができる。この場合、Niは例えばNi(OH)2として沈殿する。約pH10に調整された溶液をろ過してNi(OH)2等を回収する。 Thereafter, Ni and the like can be separated and recovered by adding an alkali to the solution from which Ti, Mn, rare earth components, etc. have been separated, for example, to a pH of more than 9 to a pH of 11 or less, preferably about pH 10. In this case, Ni precipitates as, for example, Ni(OH) 2 . The solution adjusted to about pH 10 is filtered to recover Ni(OH) 2 and the like.

 このように段階的な中和及びろ過を繰り返すことにより、希土類成分含有溶液中に含まれる各種成分(コンタミ及び希土類成分等)を分離回収することができる。 By repeating this step-by-step neutralization and filtration process, it is possible to separate and recover the various components (contaminants, rare earth components, etc.) contained in the rare earth component-containing solution.

 また、上記のような希土類成分含有溶液の段階的な中和においては、希土類成分を分離する前に希土類成分含有溶液をpH3以上pH5以下、好ましくは約pH4に中和する。よって、希土類成分含有溶液からまずTi及びMn等のコンタミを除去することができる。このように希土類成分含有溶液からTi及びMn等のコンタミが除去されているため、これらのコンタミが除去された状態の希土類成分含有溶液を用いて希土類成分の分離をさらに容易にすることができる。 Furthermore, in the stepwise neutralization of the rare earth component-containing solution as described above, the rare earth component-containing solution is neutralized to a pH of 3 or more and a pH of 5 or less, preferably about pH 4, before the rare earth components are separated. Therefore, it is possible to first remove contaminants such as Ti and Mn from the rare earth component-containing solution. Since contaminants such as Ti and Mn have been removed from the rare earth component-containing solution in this way, it is possible to further facilitate separation of the rare earth components using the rare earth component-containing solution from which these contaminants have been removed.

(工程(H):金属粉末含有物の溶解)
 工程(H)では、工程(C)において分離回収された金属粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解する。これにより、金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末を未溶解物として沈殿させるとともに、金属粉末含有物に含まれる金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する。鉱酸は、例えば、硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種である。このとき金属成分は金属成分含有溶液として分離回収される。本発明では、金属成分の分離回収には、金属成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、金属成分含有溶液を金属成分として分離回収することが含まれる。
(Step (H): Dissolution of material containing metal powder)
In step (H), the metal powder-containing material separated and recovered in step (C) is dissolved in a mineral acid. This causes the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material to precipitate as an undissolved substance, and generates a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component. The mineral acid is, for example, at least one selected from the group including sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid. At this time, the metal component is separated and recovered as a metal component-containing solution. In the present invention, separation and recovery of the metal component includes not only separation and recovery of the metal component itself, but also separation and recovery of the metal component-containing solution as a metal component.

 工程(H)において、鉱酸の添加により金属成分含有溶液がpH1.5以上pH2.5以下となるように調整することが好ましい。 In step (H), it is preferable to adjust the metal component-containing solution to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding a mineral acid.

 工程(H)において鉱酸を用いて金属成分含有溶液をpH1.5以上pH2.5以下に調整することにより、主として金属粉末を金属成分として鉱酸に溶解することができる。また、pHを上記範囲よりも強酸に調整すると第2のセラミック粉末等が鉱酸に溶解してしまう場合があるため、上記範囲にpHを調整することが好ましい。より好ましくは、金属成分含有溶液が鉱酸の添加によりpH2となるように調整する。 In step (H), the metal component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less using a mineral acid, so that the metal powder can be dissolved in the mineral acid as a metal component. Furthermore, if the pH is adjusted to a stronger acid than the above range, the second ceramic powder, etc. may dissolve in the mineral acid, so it is preferable to adjust the pH to within the above range. More preferably, the metal component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 2 by adding a mineral acid.

 なお、工程(C)においてスラリー状態の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を磁性分離した場合、分離された金属粉末含有物は約pH7のスラリー状態である。このスラリーに鉱酸を添加することによりpH1.5以上pH2.5以下に調整された金属成分含有溶液を生成することもできる。ただし、磁性分離後の金属粉末含有物はスラリー状態である必要はなく、乾燥状態であってもよい。 When the unburned waste before degreasing, which is in a slurry state, is magnetically separated in step (C), the separated metal powder-containing material is in a slurry state with a pH of about 7. By adding a mineral acid to this slurry, it is also possible to produce a metal component-containing solution with an adjusted pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less. However, the metal powder-containing material after magnetic separation does not need to be in a slurry state and may be in a dry state.

 鉱酸としては、金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末が例えばBaTiO3である場合、硫酸を用いることが好ましい。硫酸を用いた場合、BaTiO3である第2のセラミック粉末の表面に不溶性のBaSO4が形成されるため、第2のセラミック粉末を沈殿させることができる。一方、金属粉末を硫酸に溶解させることができる。具体的に、例えば、Niの表面にBaTiO3が付着したものを主として含む金属粉末含有物を硫酸に溶解することにより、BaTiO3が沈殿するとともに、Niが硫酸に溶解した硫酸ニッケル(NiSO4)溶液が金属成分含有溶液として生成される。 As the mineral acid, when the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is , for example, BaTiO 3 , sulfuric acid is preferably used. When sulfuric acid is used, insoluble BaSO 4 is formed on the surface of the second ceramic powder, which is BaTiO 3, so that the second ceramic powder can be precipitated. On the other hand, the metal powder can be dissolved in sulfuric acid. Specifically, for example, by dissolving a metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached to the surface in sulfuric acid, BaTiO 3 is precipitated and a nickel sulfate (NiSO 4 ) solution in which Ni is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a metal component-containing solution.

 なお、鉱酸としては前述の通り硫酸以外の塩酸等を用いることもできる。ただし、例えば、鉱酸として塩酸を用いた場合は、第2のセラミック粉末であるBaTiO3の表面に溶解性であるBaCl2が形成される。よって、第2のセラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに金属粉末を溶解させるように塩酸等のpH調整を精度よく行うことが好ましい。 As described above, hydrochloric acid or the like can be used as the mineral acid other than sulfuric acid. However, for example, when hydrochloric acid is used as the mineral acid, soluble BaCl 2 is formed on the surface of BaTiO 3 , which is the second ceramic powder. Therefore, it is preferable to accurately adjust the pH of hydrochloric acid or the like so as to precipitate the second ceramic powder and dissolve the metal powder.

(工程(I):各種処理)
 工程(I)では、工程(H)において生成された、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末を含む金属成分含有溶液に各種処理を施すことにより、金属成分を回収する。工程(I)の各種処理における金属成分の回収の一例について以下に説明する。
(Step (I): Various treatments)
In step (I), the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder produced in step (H) is subjected to various treatments to recover the metal component. An example of the recovery of the metal component in the various treatments in step (I) is described below.

 工程(I)の各種処理として、ろ過を挙げることができる。沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末を含む金属成分含有溶液をろ過することにより、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末と金属成分含有溶液とを固液分離する。この固液分離により、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末を含む金属成分含有溶液から、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末が除去された金属成分含有溶液を金属成分として分離回収することができる。 The various treatments in step (I) include filtration. The metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder is filtered to separate the precipitated second ceramic powder and the metal component-containing solution into solid and liquid. This solid-liquid separation allows the metal component-containing solution from which the precipitated second ceramic powder has been removed to be separated and recovered as metal components from the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder.

 例えば、工程(H)において、BaTiO3が沈殿するとともに、金属成分含有溶液としてNiが硫酸に溶解した硫酸ニッケル(NiSO4)溶液が生成されているとする。この場合、ろ過により、BaTiO3が除去された硫酸ニッケル溶液を得ることができる。 For example, in step (H), BaTiO3 is precipitated and a nickel sulfate ( NiSO4 ) solution in which Ni is dissolved in sulfuric acid is generated as a metal component-containing solution. In this case, the nickel sulfate solution from which BaTiO3 has been removed can be obtained by filtration.

 ろ過は、ろ紙(ろ布)を用いて行うことができる。ろ紙(ろ布)のメッシュの程度は、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末がろ紙(ろ布)を通過しない程度であると好ましい。また、工程(H)において生成された、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末を含む金属成分含有溶液を固液分離できればよく、ろ過による固液分離に限定されず、デカンテーション、遠心分離など、公知の方法から適宜選択することにより固液分離することができる。なお、ろ過がより好ましい。 The filtration can be carried out using filter paper (filter cloth). The mesh size of the filter paper (filter cloth) is preferably such that the precipitated second ceramic powder does not pass through the filter paper (filter cloth). In addition, it is sufficient to perform solid-liquid separation of the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder produced in step (H), and the solid-liquid separation is not limited to filtration, and can be performed by an appropriate selection from known methods such as decantation and centrifugation. Filtration is more preferable.

 その他、工程(I)の各種処理として、晶析及び中和等の処理を挙げることができる。そして、前述のろ過で得た金属成分含有溶液を処理することにより、例えば金属成分化合物(例えばNiSO4、NiCl2等)として金属成分を分離回収できる。本発明では、金属成分の分離回収には、金属成分そのものを分離回収することだけでなく、金属成分が化学的に反応した反応物である金属成分化合物を金属成分として分離回収することが含まれる。 Other examples of the various treatments in step (I) include crystallization and neutralization. By treating the metal component-containing solution obtained by the above-mentioned filtration, the metal components can be separated and recovered, for example, as metal component compounds (e.g., NiSO4 , NiCl2 , etc.). In the present invention, the separation and recovery of metal components includes not only the separation and recovery of the metal components themselves, but also the separation and recovery of metal component compounds, which are the reaction products of the chemical reaction of the metal components, as the metal components.

(3)作用効果
 上記の分離回収方法によれば、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から、内部電極層を構成する金属成分だけでなく、セラミック層を構成するセラミック粉末に添加されている希土類成分も分離回収することができる。具体的に以下に説明する。
(3) Effects According to the above-mentioned separation and recovery method, not only the metal components constituting the internal electrode layers but also the rare earth components added to the ceramic powder constituting the ceramic layers can be separated and recovered from the unfired waste before production and degreasing. The details are described below.

 まず、本願の発明者らは、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から、金属成分及び希土類成分を分離回収することに新たに着目した。つまり、焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物においては、金属粉末、セラミック粉末(第1及び第2のセラミック粉末)、希土類粉末等、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を構成する各材料どうしが焼結により概ね化学的に結合しておらず、各材料において少なくとも一部の粉末が互いに付着した状態で存在していることに新たに着目した。よって、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、粉砕等の微細化する工程(B)等により各材料どうしをそれぞれ独立に分離し易い。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中の金属成分及び希土類成分等は、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造に用いられている材料であるため、自然に産出される鉱石に比べて金属成分及び希土類成分の純度が高い。よって、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を出発点として上記分離回収方法を行うことにより、高い純度の金属成分及び高い純度の希土類成分を分離回収することが可能である。 First, the inventors of the present application have newly focused on the separation and recovery of metal components and rare earth components from unsintered waste before firing (sintering of laminated chips) and before degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors. In other words, in unsintered waste before firing (sintering of laminated chips) and before degreasing, the materials constituting the unsintered waste before degreasing, such as metal powder, ceramic powder (first and second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder, are not generally chemically bonded to each other by sintering, and at least some of the powders of each material are present in a state of adhering to each other. Therefore, in the unsintered waste before degreasing, it is easy to separate each material independently from each other by the process (B) of pulverizing or other fine processing. In addition, since the metal components and rare earth components in the unsintered waste before degreasing are materials used in the manufacture of multilayer ceramic capacitors, the purity of the metal components and rare earth components is higher than that of naturally occurring ores. Therefore, by carrying out the above separation and recovery method starting from unburned waste before production and degreasing, it is possible to separate and recover high-purity metal components and high-purity rare earth components.

 また、微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、工程(C)において磁石を用いて分離することにより金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とに分離することができる。その後、工程(D)において希土類粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成することができる。なお、工程(D)において希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末は鉱酸と反応することにより未溶解物となり沈殿するため、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは分離される。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は焼成(積層チップの焼成)されていないため、希土類粉末含有物において、例えば希土類粉末は第1のセラミック粉末の表面に付着した状態であり、第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは焼結した状態ではない。よって、第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは工程(D)の溶解により容易に分離されやすい。 In addition, the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing after being pulverized can be separated into a metal powder-containing material and a rare earth powder-containing material by using a magnet in step (C). Then, in step (D), the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid to produce a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component. In step (D), the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved material and precipitate, so that the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material are separated. In addition, since the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing is not fired (firing of the laminated chip), in the rare earth powder-containing material, for example, the rare earth powder is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not sintered. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (D).

 これら工程(C)及び工程(D)を含む分離回収方法を経ることにより、微細化後であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分を希土類成分含有溶液として分離回収することができる。そして、各工程を経ていく過程において希土類成分を含む材料における希土類成分の割合が増加する。よって、例えばDy等の希土類成分を高品位で回収することができる。 By going through the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (D), it is possible to separate and recover rare earth components as a rare earth component-containing solution from the unburned waste after micronization and before production and degreasing. Furthermore, the ratio of rare earth components in the material containing rare earth components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, rare earth components such as Dy can be recovered at a high quality.

 さらに、工程(H)において金属粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物に含まれる金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成することができる。なお、工程(H)において金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末は鉱酸と反応することにより未溶解物となり沈殿するため、金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末と金属粉末とは分離される。また、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は焼成(積層チップの焼成)されていないため、金属粉末含有物において、例えば金属粉末の表面に第2のセラミック粉末が付着した状態であり、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とは焼結した状態ではない。よって、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とは工程(H)の溶解により容易に分離されやすい。 Furthermore, by dissolving the metal powder-containing material in mineral acid in step (H), a metal component-containing solution can be produced in which the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component. Note that in step (H), the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved substance and precipitate, so the second ceramic powder and the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material are separated. In addition, since the unfired waste before production and degreasing is not fired (firing of the laminated chip), in the metal powder-containing material, for example, the second ceramic powder is attached to the surface of the metal powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are not sintered. Therefore, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (H).

 これら工程(C)及び工程(H)を含む分離回収方法を経ることにより、微細化後であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から金属成分含有溶液を金属成分として分離回収することができる。そして、各工程を経ていく過程において金属成分を含む材料における金属成分の割合が増加する。よって、例えばNi等の金属成分を高品位で回収することができる。 By going through the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (H), it is possible to separate and recover the metal components from the solution containing the metal components from the unburned waste after micronization and before production and degreasing. Furthermore, the proportion of metal components in the material containing metal components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to recover metal components such as Ni at a high quality.

 上述の通り積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を利用して金属成分及び希土類成分等の分離回収を行うため、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を廃棄物として廃棄するのではなく、資源として利用することができ環境負荷を抑制することができる。 As mentioned above, unfired waste before degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors is used to separate and recover metal components, rare earth components, etc. Therefore, rather than disposing of the unfired waste before degreasing as waste, it can be used as a resource and the burden on the environment can be reduced.

2.実験例
 以下に、実験例として、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から金属成分及び希土類成分を回収した実施例を説明する。
2. Experimental Example Hereinafter, as an experimental example, an example in which metal components and rare earth components were recovered from unburned waste before production and degreasing will be described.

 [実施例]
 製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を10g準備した。10gの製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末であるNiを34質量%(3.4g)、セラミック粉末であるBaTiO3を52質量%(5.2g)、希土類粉末であるDyを2質量%(0.2g)、樹脂成分を10質量%(1.0g)、Mg、Mn、SiO2等のコンタミを2質量%(0.2g)含む(工程(A))。この製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物をリサイクル脱脂するために脱脂温度800℃で2時間焼成した(工程(E))。リサイクル脱脂後であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を粉砕して微細化した(工程(B))。粉砕による微細化後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を100mlの水と混合してスラリーを作成した。このスラリーを磁石を用いて磁性分離した。この磁性分離により、NiにBaTiO3が付着したものを主として含む金属粉末含有物を3.4g分離回収し、BaTiO3にDyが付着したものを主として含む希土類粉末含有物を5.0g分離回収した(工程(C))。その後、5.0gの希土類粉末含有物に100mlの水を加え、1mol%の硫酸を少しずつ添加してpH2になるまで調整した。これにより希土類粉末含有物中のBaTiO3を沈殿させ、Dyを硫酸溶液に溶解した(工程(D))。BaTiO3が沈殿し、Dyが硫酸溶液に溶解した状態の溶液をろ過し、90mlの硫酸ジスプロシウム(Dy2(SO43)溶液を得た(工程(F))。90mlの硫酸ジスプロシウム溶液にアルカリとして1mol%の苛性ソーダ溶液を少しずつ添加してpH8になるまで調整した(工程(G))。この溶液をろ過して、0.2gのDy(OH)3を分離回収した。よって、本工程を経ることで製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中に含まれるDyのうちおよそ60%のDyを回収した。
[Example]
10 g of unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing was prepared. 10 g of unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing contained 34 mass% (3.4 g) of Ni, which is a metal powder, 52 mass% (5.2 g) of BaTiO 3 , which is a ceramic powder, 2 mass% (0.2 g) of Dy, which is a rare earth powder, 10 mass% (1.0 g) of a resin component, and 2 mass% (0.2 g) of contaminants such as Mg, Mn, and SiO 2 (step (A)). This unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing was fired at a degreasing temperature of 800 ° C for 2 hours in order to recycle and degrease (step (E)). The unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing after recycling degreasing was pulverized and finely divided (step (B)). The unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing after pulverization and finely divided by pulverization was mixed with 100 ml of water to create a slurry. This slurry was magnetically separated using a magnet. By this magnetic separation, 3.4 g of metal powder containing material mainly containing BaTiO 3 attached to Ni was separated and collected, and 5.0 g of rare earth powder containing material mainly containing Dy attached to BaTiO 3 was separated and collected (step (C)). After that, 100 ml of water was added to 5.0 g of rare earth powder containing material, and 1 mol% sulfuric acid was added little by little to adjust the pH to 2. This caused BaTiO 3 in the rare earth powder containing material to precipitate, and Dy was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution (step (D)). The solution in which BaTiO 3 was precipitated and Dy was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution was filtered to obtain 90 ml of dysprosium sulfate (Dy 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ) solution (step (F)). 1 mol% caustic soda solution was added little by little as an alkali to 90 ml of dysprosium sulfate solution to adjust the pH to 8 (step (G)). This solution was filtered to separate and recover 0.2 g of Dy(OH) 3. Thus, by going through this process, approximately 60% of the Dy contained in the unburned waste before degreasing was recovered.

 また、工程(C)において回収した、NiにBaTiO3が付着したものを主として含む金属粉末含有物3.4gに100mlの水を加え、1mol%の硫酸を少しずつ添加してpH2になるまで調整した。これによりNiにBaTiO3が付着したものを主として含む金属粉末含有物中のBaTiO3を沈殿させ、Niを硫酸溶液に溶解した(工程(H))。BaTiO3が沈殿し、Niが硫酸溶液に溶解した状態の溶液をろ過し、90mlの硫酸ニッケル(Ni(SO4))溶液を得た(工程(I))。90mlの硫酸ニッケル溶液にアルカリとして1mol%の苛性ソーダ溶液を少しずつ添加してpH10になるまで調整した。この溶液をろ過して、4.3gのNi(OH)2を分離回収した。よって、本工程を経ることで製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中に含まれるNiのうちおよそ80%のNiを回収した。 In addition, 100 ml of water was added to 3.4 g of the metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached thereto, which was recovered in step (C), and 1 mol % of sulfuric acid was added little by little to adjust the pH to 2. As a result, BaTiO 3 in the metal powder-containing material mainly containing Ni with BaTiO 3 attached thereto was precipitated, and Ni was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution (step (H)). The solution in which BaTiO 3 was precipitated and Ni was dissolved in the sulfuric acid solution was filtered to obtain 90 ml of nickel sulfate (Ni(SO 4 )) solution (step (I)). 1 mol % of caustic soda solution was added little by little as an alkali to the 90 ml of nickel sulfate solution to adjust the pH to 10. This solution was filtered, and 4.3 g of Ni(OH) 2 was separated and recovered. Therefore, by going through this process, approximately 80% of the Ni contained in the unburned waste before production and degreasing was recovered.

 [実験結果]
 上記の実験から、本実施の形態に係る分離回収方法によれば、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を出発原料とした上で、磁性分離及び中和による浸出等の工程を経ることにより簡易に高品位のDy及びNi等の希土類成分及び金属成分を分離精製することができる。つまり、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を出発点とすることにより、鉱石を出発点としてDy及びNiを精製する場合と比較して簡易なプロセスにより高品位のDy及びNi等の金属を分離精製することができる。
[Experimental Results]
From the above experiments, according to the separation and recovery method of the present embodiment, rare earth components and metal components such as high-grade Dy and Ni can be easily separated and refined by using unburned waste before degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor as a starting material, and then going through processes such as magnetic separation and leaching by neutralization. In other words, by using unburned waste before degreasing as a starting point, it is possible to separate and refine metals such as high-grade Dy and Ni by a simple process compared to the case of refining Dy and Ni from ore as a starting point.

3.変形例
 第1の実施の形態に係る変形例について以下に説明する。
3. Modifications Modifications of the first embodiment will now be described.

 (1)工程(B)におけるスラリーの生成
 (1-1)有機溶媒によるスラリーの生成
 上記の第1の実施の形態では、工程(B)において製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を粉砕して微細化している。しかし、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化できればよく、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を例えば有機溶媒により分散したスラリー状態とすることにより微細化してもよい。ここで、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒(有機溶媒及び水系溶媒等の溶媒)とを混合してスラリー状とする微細化を湿式微細化という。また、湿式微細化の中でも、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で粉砕する微細化を湿式粉砕というものとする。
(1) Generation of slurry in step (B) (1-1) Generation of slurry by organic solvent In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized and refined in step (B). However, it is sufficient to pulverize the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing, and in addition to the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by pulverization), or instead of the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by pulverization), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing may be pulverized by dispersing it in a slurry state using an organic solvent. Here, the pulverization in which the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with a solvent (solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent) to form a slurry is called wet pulverization. In addition, among the wet pulverization, the pulverization in which the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent is called wet pulverization.

 この場合、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合(工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに行われる)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。このように製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒に混合する場合には、工程(C)の磁性分離の後に、当該有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程がさらに含まれることが好ましい。 In this case, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the micronization (particularly micronization by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C), in this order. In this way, when unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent, it is preferable that the magnetic separation in step (C) is followed by a distillation step to remove the organic solvent.

 また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、希土類成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、希土類成分の分離回収ルートにおいて、追加的に、工程(F)のろ過、工程(G)の中和が行われてもよい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、追加的に、工程(I)の各種処理が行われてもよい。 The separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a route for separating and recovering rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may additionally be performed. The separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a route for separating and recovering metal components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering metal components, various treatments in step (I) may additionally be performed.

 つまり、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。この共通の分離回収ルートの順序を変更することにより、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、粉砕により微細化された製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、がこの順序で行われ、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が行われると好ましい。
 あるいは、共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)を省略することにより、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。
That is, the separation and recovery method preferably includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C). By changing the order of this common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) are performed in this order, and further, it is preferable to perform a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
Alternatively, the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and preferably includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).

 有機溶媒としては、アルコール系の有機溶媒や、炭化水素系の有機溶媒を挙げることができる。例えば、有機溶媒として、メタノール、エタノール、プロパノール、トルエン、キシレン、シクロヘキサン又はそれらの混合物などを用いることができる。 The organic solvent may be an alcohol-based organic solvent or a hydrocarbon-based organic solvent. For example, the organic solvent may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or a mixture thereof.

 なお、上記の第1の実施の形態では、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂において製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中の樹脂成分を除去している。しかし、前述のように製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒を用いてスラリー状態とした場合には、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中の樹脂成分が有機溶媒に溶解する場合がある。つまり、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒に混合して分散させることにより、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物中の樹脂成分を除去することができるため、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂を省略することができる。 In the first embodiment described above, the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing are removed in the recycling degreasing in step (E). However, as described above, when the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing is made into a slurry state using an organic solvent, the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing may dissolve in the organic solvent. In other words, by mixing and dispersing the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing in an organic solvent, the resin components in the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing can be removed, and the recycling degreasing in step (E) can be omitted.

 なお、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒に混合することにより、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化することも可能である。この場合、工程(B)において粉砕を伴わずに製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化できる場合もある。 It is also possible to pulverize the unburned waste before degreasing by mixing the unburned waste before degreasing with an organic solvent. In this case, it may be possible to pulverize the unburned waste before degreasing without pulverizing it in step (B).

 これらのことから、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合(工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに行われる)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、を含む。なお、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物が有機溶媒に混合されているため、工程(C)の磁性分離の後に、当該有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程がさらに含まれることが好ましい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、希土類成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、希土類成分の分離回収ルートにおいて、追加的に、工程(F)のろ過、工程(G)の中和が行われてもよい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、追加的に、工程(I)の各種処理が行われてもよい。 For these reasons, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C). Since the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent, it is preferable that a distillation step for removing the organic solvent is further included after the magnetic separation in step (C). In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route. In addition, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed in the separation and recovery route for rare earth components. In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components, following the common separation and recovery route. Additionally, various processes in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.

 つまり、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によりリサイクル脱脂されたスラリーの生成と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。この共通の分離回収ルートの順序を変更することにより、分離回収方法は、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、粉砕により微細化された製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によりリサイクル脱脂されたスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、がこの順序で行われ、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が行われると好ましい。
 あるいは、共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)を省略することにより、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によりリサイクル脱脂されたスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。
In other words, the separation and recovery method preferably includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C). By changing the order of this common separation and recovery route, the separation and recovery method preferably includes the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step of removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
Alternatively, the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and preferably includes, in this order, for example, preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), generation of a recycled and degreased slurry by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C), and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).

 また、上記の第1の実施形態では、工程(C)の磁性分離の際に、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して分散することによりスラリー状態としている。しかし、前述のように工程(B)の微細化とともに、又は工程(B)の微細化の代わりに、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒を用いてスラリー状態とした場合には、このスラリー状態となった製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を工程(C)において磁性分離してもよい。つまり、工程(C)の磁性分離においてスラリー状態を生成する手間を省略することができる。 In addition, in the first embodiment described above, during the magnetic separation in step (C), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing, which has been pulverized in step (B), is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state. However, as described above, when the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an organic solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in this slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.

 (1-2)水系溶媒によるスラリーの生成
 上記では有機溶媒によりスラリーを生成しているが、水系溶媒を用いてスラリーを生成してもよい。この場合、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合(工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに行われる)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、希土類成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、希土類成分の分離回収ルートにおいて、追加的に、工程(F)のろ過、工程(G)の中和が行われてもよい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、追加的に、工程(I)の各種処理が行われてもよい。
(1-2) Generation of slurry by aqueous solvent In the above, the slurry is generated by an organic solvent, but the slurry may be generated by using an aqueous solvent. In this case, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing of the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent (performed together with the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B) or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order. In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components following the common separation and recovery route. In addition, in the separation and recovery route for rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed. In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components following the common separation and recovery route. In addition, various treatments in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.

 つまり、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。この共通の分離回収ルートの順序を変更することにより、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、粉砕により微細化された製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、がこの順序で行われることもできる。
 あるいは、共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)を省略することにより、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。
 なお、水系溶媒としては、例えば水を用いることができる。
That is, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent, the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order. By changing the order of this common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the recycling degreasing in step (E), the pulverization in step (B) (particularly, pulverization by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing pulverized by grinding with an aqueous solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) can also be performed in this order.
Alternatively, a common separation and recovery route may omit the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and may include, for example, the following steps in this order: preparation of unburned waste before production and degreasing in step (A), recycling degreasing in step (E), mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to produce a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C).
As the aqueous solvent, for example, water can be used.

 また、上記の第1の実施形態では、工程(C)の磁性分離の際に、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して分散することによりスラリー状態としている。しかし、前述のように工程(B)の微細化とともに、又は工程(B)の微細化の代わりに、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を水系溶媒を用いてスラリー状態とした場合には、このスラリー状態となった製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を工程(C)において磁性分離してもよい。つまり、工程(C)の磁性分離においてスラリー状態を生成する手間を省略することができる。 In addition, in the first embodiment described above, during the magnetic separation in step (C), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing, which has been pulverized in step (B), is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state. However, as described above, if the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an aqueous solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in this slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.

 (2)分離回収方法における工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂の位置
 上記の第1の実施の形態では、図1に示す分離回収方法において、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂は、工程(A)と工程(B)との間において行われている。つまり、図1では、工程(A)において準備された製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物をリサイクル脱脂(工程(E))した後、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物(リサイクル脱脂された製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物)が工程(B)において微細化されている。しかし、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂は、工程(C)の磁性分離により分離された希土類粉末含有物及び金属粉末含有物が工程(D)及び工程(H)において鉱酸に溶解される前に行われていればよく、工程(A)と工程(B)との間に限定されない。
(2) Location of recycle degreasing in step (E) in the separation and recovery method In the above-mentioned first embodiment, in the separation and recovery method shown in Fig. 1, the recycle degreasing in step (E) is performed between steps (A) and (B). That is, in Fig. 1, the unburned waste before production degreasing prepared in step (A) is recycled and degreased (step (E)), and then the unburned waste before production degreasing (recycled and degreased unburned waste before production degreasing) is pulverized in step (B). However, the recycle degreasing in step (E) is not limited to being performed between steps (A) and (B) as long as it is performed before the rare earth powder-containing material and the metal powder-containing material separated by the magnetic separation in step (C) are dissolved in mineral acid in steps (D) and (H).

 例えば、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂は、工程(B)と工程(C)との間において行われてもよい。つまり、工程(A)で準備した製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物が工程(B)において微細化されたものをリサイクル脱脂することができる。この場合、分離回収方法のうち共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。 For example, the recycling degreasing in step (E) may be performed between steps (B) and (C). In other words, the unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing prepared in step (A) can be pulverized in step (B) and then recycled and degreased. In this case, a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of unburned waste before manufacturing degreasing in step (A), pulverization in step (B), recycling degreasing in step (E), and magnetic separation in step (C).

 また、例えば、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂は、工程(C)と工程(D)及び工程(H)との間において行われてもよい。よって、工程(C)での磁性分離後、希土類粉末含有物を工程(D)の前にリサイクル脱脂することができる。また、金属粉末含有物を工程(H)の前にリサイクル脱脂することができる。この場合、分離回収方法のうち共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂と、をこの順序で含む。そして、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂では、工程(C)の磁性分離で回収された希土類粉末含有物がリサイクル脱脂され、一方、工程(C)の磁性分離で回収された金属粉末含有物がリサイクル脱脂される。 Also, for example, the recycling degreasing in step (E) may be performed between step (C), step (D), and step (H). Thus, after magnetic separation in step (C), the rare earth powder-containing material can be recycled and degreased before step (D). Also, the metal powder-containing material can be recycled and degreased before step (H). In this case, a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fine particle size reduction in step (B), the magnetic separation in step (C), and the recycling degreasing in step (E). In the recycling degreasing in step (E), the rare earth powder-containing material recovered in the magnetic separation in step (C) is recycled and degreased, while the metal powder-containing material recovered in the magnetic separation in step (C) is recycled and degreased.

 また、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂は、工程(B)の微細化において行われてもよい。つまり、工程(B)の微細化の過程において、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂することができる。例えば、工程(B)において、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒に混合することによりリサイクル脱脂するとともに、微細化することができる。この場合、分離回収方法のうち共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(A)の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)での有機溶媒との混合による微細化と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。 The recycling degreasing in step (E) may also be performed in the pulverization in step (B). That is, in the pulverization process in step (B), the resin components can be recycled and degreased from the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing. For example, in step (B), the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing can be mixed with an organic solvent to recycle, degrease, and pulverize. In this case, a common separation and recovery route among the separation and recovery methods includes, in this order, the preparation of the unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), pulverization by mixing with an organic solvent in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C).

 (3)製造脱脂の別の態様
 上記の第1の実施の形態では、工程5において製造脱脂を行い、工程6において積層チップの焼成を行っている。しかし、工程5及び工程6の両方を合わせて1つの工程としてもよい。例えば、工程4を経た後の積層チップを1000℃より高く1400℃以下で焼成することにより、積層チップ中の樹脂成分を製造脱脂するとともに積層チップを焼成して焼結させる。この場合、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物は、工程5及び工程6の両方を含む工程の前の廃棄物である。
(3) Another aspect of manufacturing degreasing In the above-mentioned first embodiment, manufacturing degreasing is performed in step 5, and the laminated chip is fired in step 6. However, both steps 5 and 6 may be combined into one step. For example, the laminated chip after step 4 is fired at a temperature higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C, thereby manufacturing degreasing the resin components in the laminated chip and firing the laminated chip to sinter it. In this case, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing is the waste before the step including both steps 5 and 6.

 (4)製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物
 上記の第1の実施の形態では、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法には、(工程3)の積層ブロックの形成、(工程4)の積層チップへのカット、(工程5)の製造脱脂、(工程6)の積層チップの焼成、(工程7)の下地電極層用ペーストの塗布及び焼成が順に含まれている。しかし、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法はこれに限定されず、例えば、工程5の製造脱脂前であり、工程6の焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の未焼成の積層チップに対して下地電極層用ペーストを塗布した後に製造脱脂、及び、焼成を行う場合がある。つまり、まず、工程5の製造脱脂前の積層チップに対して、Ni、ガラス成分、樹脂成分等を含む下地電極層用ペーストを塗布する。次に、下地電極層用ペーストが塗布された積層チップを製造脱脂し、さらにその後に焼成する。製造脱脂時の温度は、例えば、800℃より高く、1000℃以下であることが好ましい。焼成温度は、例えば、1000℃より高く、1400℃以下であることが好ましい。これらの工程は、上記の製造方法の工程4の積層チップへのカットの後であり工程8のめっき工程の前に行われる。そして、これらの工程では、上記の工程6の積層チップの焼成と工程7の下地電極層用ペーストの焼成とを一度の焼成で行っている。このような製造方法を考慮した場合には、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物として、上記の実施の形態において挙げたものに加えて、下地電極層用ペーストが塗布された後の未焼成(工程6の焼成と工程7の焼成とが一度に行われる焼成前)である製造脱脂前(工程5の製造脱脂前)の積層チップの廃棄物が含まれる。この場合、下地電極層用ペースト内のNi粉末が分離・回収の対象に含まれる。なお、下地電極層用ペーストの中に、セラミック粉末からなる共材が更に含まれていてもよい。
(4) Unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes the formation of a laminated block (step 3), cutting into laminated chips (step 4), manufacturing degreasing (step 5), firing of the laminated chips (step 6), and application and firing of the base electrode layer paste (step 7) in that order. However, the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is not limited to this, and for example, there is a case where the manufacturing degreasing and firing are performed after applying the base electrode layer paste to the unfired laminated chip before the manufacturing degreasing in step 5 and before the firing (firing of the laminated chip) in step 6. That is, first, the base electrode layer paste containing Ni, glass components, resin components, etc. is applied to the laminated chip before the manufacturing degreasing in step 5. Next, the laminated chip to which the base electrode layer paste is applied is manufactured and degreased, and then fired. The temperature during manufacturing degreasing is preferably, for example, higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C. The firing temperature is preferably, for example, higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C. These steps are performed after the cutting into laminated chips in step 4 of the above manufacturing method and before the plating step in step 8. In these steps, the firing of the laminated chips in step 6 and the firing of the base electrode layer paste in step 7 are performed in a single firing. When such a manufacturing method is taken into consideration, in addition to those listed in the above embodiment, the unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing includes waste of laminated chips before manufacturing degreasing (before manufacturing degreasing in step 5), which is unfired after the base electrode layer paste is applied (before the firing in step 6 and the firing in step 7 are performed at the same time). In this case, the Ni powder in the base electrode layer paste is included in the target for separation and recovery. In addition, the base electrode layer paste may further contain a common material made of ceramic powder.

<第2の実施の形態>
1.分離回収方法
 この発明の第2の実施の形態に係る、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出されるとともに、前記製造工程において製造脱脂された焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収する分離回収方法について説明する。第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法は、第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法とは処理対象が異なる。つまり、第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法の処理対象が製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であるのに対して、第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法の処理対象は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物である。第1の実施の形態と同様の内容については説明を簡略化するか省略する。
Second Embodiment
1. Separation and Recovery Method A separation and recovery method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and is degreased in the manufacturing process before firing (firing of a laminated chip). The separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment has a different treatment object from the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment. That is, the treatment object of the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment is unfired waste before degreasing, whereas the treatment object of the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment is unfired waste after degreasing. Descriptions of the same contents as those of the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

 図6は、この発明の第2の実施の形態に係る、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出されるとともに、前記製造工程において製造脱脂された焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分及び金属成分を分離回収する分離回収方法を示すフロー図である。この発明の第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法では、分離回収の出発点として積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出されるとともに、前記製造工程において製造脱脂された焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を用いる。製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物について説明する。 FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a separation and recovery method according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which separates and recovers rare earth components and metal components from unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing before firing (firing of laminated chips) that is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that has been manufactured and degreased in the manufacturing process. The separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing before firing (firing of laminated chips) that is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor and that has been manufactured and degreased in the manufacturing process as the starting point for separation and recovery. The unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing will now be described.

(1)製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物
 積層セラミックコンデンサ10の構成及び製造方法は第1の実施の形態と同様である。
 ここで、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法のうち、(工程5)において製造工程上の製造脱脂がされた後の廃棄物であるとともに、(工程6)において積層チップの焼成が行われる前の廃棄物である。例えば、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、(工程5)において製造脱脂された後の各誘電体シートの積層がずれた状態である等の不良品である積層チップ、また不要となった余分な積層チップ等である。
(1) Unfired Waste After Manufacturing and Degreasing The structure and manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Here, the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing refers to waste after manufacturing and degreasing in the manufacturing process in (step 5) of the manufacturing method for multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, and waste before firing of the laminated chips in (step 6). For example, the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is defective laminated chips in which the lamination of each dielectric sheet is misaligned after manufacturing and degreasing in (step 5), excess laminated chips that are no longer needed, etc.

(2)分離回収方法のフロー
 図6を参照してこの発明の第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法のフローについて説明する。第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法とは異なり、第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法においては、工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂が省略される。これは、第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法では、(工程5)の製造脱脂を経た後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を分離回収の対象としているためである。第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法におけるその他の点は第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法と概ね同じであるが、以下に簡単に説明する。
(2) Flow of the separation and recovery method The flow of the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. Unlike the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment, the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment omits the recycle degreasing in step (E). This is because the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment targets unburned waste after the production and degreasing step (step 5) for separation and recovery. Other points in the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment are generally the same as those in the separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment, but will be briefly described below.

 図6の分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートと、希土類成分の分離回収ルートと、金属成分の分離回収ルートと、を含む。希土類成分の分離回収ルート及び金属成分の分離回収ルートそれぞれは、共通の分離回収ルートから分岐する。 The separation and recovery method of FIG. 6 includes a common separation and recovery route, a rare earth component separation and recovery route, and a metal component separation and recovery route. The rare earth component separation and recovery route and the metal component separation and recovery route each branch off from the common separation and recovery route.

 共通の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、を含む。工程(C)の磁性分離の後、希土類成分の分離回収ルートと金属成分の分離回収ルートとに分岐する。希土類成分の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含み、さらに工程(F)のろ過と、工程(G)の中和と、を含むことができる。また、金属成分の分離回収ルートは、例えば、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含み、さらに工程(I)の各種処理を含むことができる。 The common separation and recovery route includes, for example, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the refining in step (B), and the magnetic separation in step (C). After the magnetic separation in step (C), the process branches into a rare earth component separation and recovery route and a metal component separation and recovery route. The rare earth component separation and recovery route can include, for example, dissolving rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), and can further include filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G). The metal component separation and recovery route can include, for example, dissolving metal powder-containing material in step (H), and can further include various treatments in step (I).

(工程(A):製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備)
 工程(A)では、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する。製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末と、セラミック粉末(第1のセラミック粉末、第2のセラミック粉末)と、希土類粉末と、を含む。金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末それぞれは第1の実施の形態において説明した通りである。なお、第1の実施の形態における製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物とは異なり、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、工程5において積層チップが製造脱脂された後の廃棄物であるため、樹脂成分は概ねあるいは完全に脱脂(除去)されている。なお、製造脱脂前の積層チップ等に含まれる樹脂成分は第1の実施の形態と同様である。
(Step (A): Preparation of unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing)
In step (A), unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing, which is discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, is prepared. The unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing includes metal powder, ceramic powder (first ceramic powder, second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder. The metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are as described in the first embodiment. Unlike the unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing in the first embodiment, the unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing is waste after the laminated chip is manufactured and degreased in step 5, so the resin component has been almost or completely degreased (removed). The resin component contained in the laminated chip before manufacturing degreasing is the same as in the first embodiment.

 製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物において、金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末は、第1の実施の形態と同様に少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物においては、金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末間の付着において樹脂成分は関与していない。しかし、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物における金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末間の付着の態様は、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物における金属粉末、セラミック粉末及び希土類粉末間の付着の態様と概ね同じである。 In the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing, the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder are at least partially adhered to each other, as in the first embodiment. In the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing, the resin component is not involved in the adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder. However, the manner of adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is generally the same as the manner of adhesion between the metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder in the unfired waste before manufacturing and degreasing.

 そして、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物において、粉末どうしが互いに付着した状態であり、基本的には化学的に結合していないのは、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物が工程5の脱脂温度(800℃より高く1000℃以下)で脱脂されているものの、工程5の脱脂温度での焼成は、粉末どうしの化学的な結合が可能な程度の焼成ではないからである。さらに、工程6の焼成温度(1000℃より高く1400℃以下)による焼成では粉末どうしが化学的に結合し得るが、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物はこの工程6を経ていないため、粉末どうしが基本的には化学的に結合しておらず互いに付着した状態である。 The reason why the powder particles in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing are adhered to each other and not basically chemically bonded is that although the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing is degreased at the degreasing temperature in step 5 (higher than 800°C and not higher than 1000°C), the firing at the degreasing temperature in step 5 is not performed to a degree that would allow the powder particles to chemically bond to each other. Furthermore, the firing at the firing temperature in step 6 (higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C) can cause the powder particles to chemically bond to each other, but the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing does not go through step 6, so the powder particles are basically not chemically bonded to each other and are just adhered to each other.

 上述の通り、本実施の形態の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含む。さらに言えば、本実施の形態の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とを含む。金属粉末含有物及び希土類粉末含有物の構成は第1の実施の形態と同様である。つまり、金属粉末含有物は金属粉末及びセラミック粉末を含むものをいうものとする。また、希土類粉末含有物は希土類粉末及びセラミック粉末を含むものをいうものとする。そして、本実施の形態では、金属粉末含有物は金属粉末及び第2のセラミック粉末を含むものをいい、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。また、本実施の形態では、希土類粉末含有物は希土類粉末及び第1のセラミック粉末を含むものをいい、希土類粉末と第1のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている。このような製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の粉末の状態は、樹脂成分が含まれていない点を除いて、第1の実施の形態の図5で説明した製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物の粉末の状態と概ね同様である。 As described above, the unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing in this embodiment contains metal powder, ceramic powder, and rare earth powder. More specifically, the unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing in this embodiment contains metal powder-containing material and rare earth powder-containing material. The configurations of the metal powder-containing material and the rare earth powder-containing material are the same as those in the first embodiment. In other words, the metal powder-containing material refers to a material containing metal powder and ceramic powder. Also, the rare earth powder-containing material refers to a material containing rare earth powder and ceramic powder. And, in this embodiment, the metal powder-containing material refers to a material containing metal powder and second ceramic powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other. Also, in this embodiment, the rare earth powder-containing material refers to a material containing rare earth powder and first ceramic powder, and the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other. The state of the powder of such unfired waste after manufacturing degreasing is generally similar to the state of the powder of unfired waste before manufacturing degreasing described in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, except that it does not contain a resin component.

 第1の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法と第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法とは、処理対象が製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であるか、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であるかという点において異なる。大きくは、第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法では、共通の分離回収ルートにおいて工程(E)のリサイクル脱脂が含まれていない。希土類成分の分離回収ルート及び金属成分の分離回収ルートは、樹脂成分が脱脂された後の工程であるため、第1及び第2の実施の形態に係る分離回収方法において同じである。 The separation and recovery method according to the first embodiment and the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment differ in that the object to be treated is unburned waste before manufacturing and degreasing, or unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing. In general, the separation and recovery method according to the second embodiment does not include the recycle degreasing of step (E) in the common separation and recovery route. The separation and recovery route for rare earth components and the separation and recovery route for metal components are the same in the separation and recovery methods according to the first and second embodiments, since they are steps that occur after the resin components have been degreased.

(3)作用効果
 上記の分離回収方法によれば、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から、内部電極層を構成する金属成分だけでなく、セラミック層を構成するセラミック粉末に添加されている希土類成分も分離回収することができる。具体的に以下に説明する。
(3) Effects and Effects According to the above separation and recovery method, not only the metal components constituting the internal electrode layers but also the rare earth components added to the ceramic powder constituting the ceramic layers can be separated and recovered from the unfired waste after production and degreasing. The details are described below.

 まず、本願の発明者らは、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から、金属成分及び希土類成分を分離回収することに新たに着目した。つまり、焼成(積層チップの焼成)前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物においては、金属粉末、セラミック粉末(第1及び第2のセラミック粉末)、希土類粉末等、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を構成する各材料どうしが焼結により概ね化学的に結合しておらず、各材料において少なくとも一部の粉末が互いに付着した状態で存在していることに新たに着目した。よって、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は、粉砕等の微細化する工程(B)等により各材料どうしをそれぞれ独立に分離し易い。また、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物中の金属成分及び希土類成分等は、積層セラミックコンデンサの製造に用いられている材料であるため、自然に産出される鉱石に比べて金属成分及び希土類成分の純度が高い。よって、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を出発点として上記分離回収方法を行うことにより、高い純度の金属成分及び高い純度の希土類成分を分離回収することが可能である。 First, the inventors of the present application have newly focused on the separation and recovery of metal components and rare earth components from unfired waste discharged before firing (firing of laminated chips) and after manufacturing and degreasing in the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors. In other words, in the unfired waste before firing (firing of laminated chips) and after manufacturing and degreasing, the materials constituting the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing, such as metal powder, ceramic powder (first and second ceramic powder), and rare earth powder, are not generally chemically bonded to each other by sintering, and at least some of the powders of each material are present in a state of adhering to each other. Therefore, in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing, each material can be easily separated independently by a process (B) of pulverizing or other fine processing. In addition, since the metal components and rare earth components in the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing are materials used in the manufacture of multilayer ceramic capacitors, the purity of the metal components and rare earth components is higher than that of naturally occurring ores. Therefore, by carrying out the above separation and recovery method starting from unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing, it is possible to separate and recover high-purity metal components and high-purity rare earth components.

 また、微細化された後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、工程(C)において磁石を用いて分離することにより金属粉末含有物と希土類粉末含有物とに分離することができる。その後、工程(D)において希土類粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解することにより、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成することができる。なお、工程(D)において希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末は鉱酸と反応することにより未溶解物となり沈殿するため、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは分離される。また、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は焼成(積層チップの焼成)されていないため、希土類粉末含有物において、例えば希土類粉末は第1のセラミック粉末の表面に付着した状態であり、第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは焼結した状態ではない。よって、第1のセラミック粉末と希土類粉末とは工程(D)の溶解により容易に分離されやすい。 In addition, the unfired waste after the manufacturing and degreasing process after the fine particle size can be separated into a metal powder-containing material and a rare earth powder-containing material by using a magnet in step (C). After that, in step (D), the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid to produce a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component. In step (D), the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved material and precipitate, so that the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material are separated. In addition, since the unfired waste after the manufacturing and degreasing process is not fired (firing of the laminated chip), in the rare earth powder-containing material, for example, the rare earth powder is attached to the surface of the first ceramic powder, and the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are not sintered. Therefore, the first ceramic powder and the rare earth powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (D).

 これら工程(C)及び工程(D)を含む分離回収方法を経ることにより、微細化後であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から希土類成分含有溶液を希土類成分として分離回収することができる。そして、各工程を経ていく過程において希土類成分を含む材料における希土類成分の割合が増加する。よって、例えばDy等の希土類成分を高品位で回収することができる。 By going through the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (D), it is possible to separate and recover rare earth components from the unburned waste after micronization and manufacturing and degreasing, by using a solution containing rare earth components. Furthermore, the proportion of rare earth components in the material containing rare earth components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to recover rare earth components such as Dy at a high quality.

 さらに、工程(H)において金属粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解することにより、金属粉末含有物に含まれる金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成することができる。なお、工程(H)において金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末は鉱酸と反応することにより未溶解物となり沈殿するため、金属粉末含有物に含まれる第2のセラミック粉末と金属粉末とは分離される。また、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物は焼成(積層チップの焼成)されていないため、金属粉末含有物において、例えば金属粉末の表面に第2のセラミック粉末が付着した状態であり、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とは焼結した状態ではない。よって、金属粉末と第2のセラミック粉末とは工程(H)の溶解により容易に分離されやすい。 Furthermore, by dissolving the metal powder-containing material in mineral acid in step (H), a metal component-containing solution can be produced in which the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component. Note that in step (H), the second ceramic powder contained in the metal powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become an undissolved substance and precipitate, so the second ceramic powder and the metal powder contained in the metal powder-containing material are separated. In addition, since the unfired waste after production and degreasing is not fired (firing of the laminated chip), in the metal powder-containing material, for example, the second ceramic powder is attached to the surface of the metal powder, and the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are not sintered. Therefore, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are easily separated by the dissolution in step (H).

 これら工程(C)及び工程(H)を含む分離回収方法を経ることにより、微細化後であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物から金属成分含有溶液を金属成分として分離回収することができる。そして、各工程を経ていく過程において金属成分を含む材料における金属成分の割合が増加する。よって、例えばNi等の金属成分を高品位で回収することができる。 By going through the separation and recovery method including steps (C) and (H), it is possible to separate and recover the metal components from the solution containing the metal components from the unburned waste after micronization and manufacturing and degreasing. Furthermore, the proportion of the metal components in the material containing the metal components increases as each step is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to recover metal components such as Ni at a high quality.

 上述の通り積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を利用して金属成分及び希土類成分等の分離回収を行うため、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を廃棄物として廃棄するのではなく、資源として利用することができ環境負荷を抑制することができる。 As mentioned above, the unfired waste after degreasing that is discharged during the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors is used to separate and recover metal components, rare earth components, etc., so the unfired waste after degreasing can be used as a resource rather than being discarded as waste, reducing the burden on the environment.

3.変形例
 第2の実施の形態に係る変形例について以下に説明する。
3. Modifications Modifications of the second embodiment will now be described.

 (1)工程(B)におけるスラリーの生成
 (1-1)有機溶媒によるスラリーの生成
 上記の第2の実施の形態では、工程(B)において製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を粉砕して微細化している。しかし、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を微細化できればよく、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を例えば有機溶媒により分散したスラリー状態とすることにより微細化してもよい。ここで、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒(有機溶媒及び水系溶媒等の溶媒)とを混合してスラリー状とする微細化を湿式微細化という。また、湿式微細化の中でも、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で粉砕する微細化を湿式粉砕というものとする。
(1) Generation of slurry in step (B) (1-1) Generation of slurry by organic solvent In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized and refined in step (B). However, as long as the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing can be refined, the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing may be refined by dispersing it in an organic solvent, for example, in addition to the refinement in step (B) (particularly, refinement by pulverization), or instead of the refinement in step (B) (particularly, refinement by pulverization), for example. Here, the refinement in which the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with a solvent (solvent such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent) to form a slurry is called wet refinement. In addition, among the wet refinements, the refinement in which the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is pulverized in a slurry formed by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent is called wet grinding.

 この場合、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合(工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに行われる)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。このように製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒に混合する場合には、工程(C)の磁性分離の後に、当該有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程がさらに含まれることが好ましい。 In this case, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, in this order: preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent (performed together with or instead of the micronization (particularly micronization by grinding) in step (B)), and magnetic separation in step (C). In this way, when unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent, it is preferable that the magnetic separation in step (C) is followed by a further distillation step of removing the organic solvent.

 また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、希土類成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、希土類成分の分離回収ルートにおいて、追加的に、工程(F)のろ過、工程(G)の中和が行われてもよい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、追加的に、工程(I)の各種処理が行われてもよい。 The separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a route for separating and recovering rare earth components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may additionally be performed. The separation and recovery method also includes dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a route for separating and recovering metal components, following the common separation and recovery route. Note that in the route for separating and recovering metal components, various treatments in step (I) may additionally be performed.

 つまり、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。この共通の分離回収ルートの順序を変更することにより、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、粉砕により微細化された製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、がこの順序で行われ、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が行われると好ましい。
 あるいは、共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)を省略することにより、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の有機溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含み、さらには工程(C)の磁性分離の後に有機溶媒を除去する留去の工程が含まれると好ましい。
In other words, the separation and recovery method preferably includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an organic solvent, the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), and the magnetic separation in step (C) in this order, and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C). By changing the order of this common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), the fineness in step (B) (particularly, fineness by grinding), the generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing finely ground by grinding with an organic solvent, and the magnetic separation in step (C) are performed in this order, and further, it is preferable to perform a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).
Alternatively, the common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) of step (B), and preferably includes, in this order, for example, preparation of unburned waste after production and degreasing in step (A), generation of a slurry by mixing the unburned waste after production and degreasing with an organic solvent, and magnetic separation in step (C), and further includes a distillation step for removing the organic solvent after the magnetic separation in step (C).

 有機溶媒としては、アルコール系の有機溶媒や、炭化水素系の有機溶媒を挙げることができる。例えば、有機溶媒として、メタノール、エタノール、プロパノール、トルエン、キシレン、シクロヘキサン又はそれらの混合物などを用いることができる。 The organic solvent may be an alcohol-based organic solvent or a hydrocarbon-based organic solvent. For example, the organic solvent may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, or a mixture thereof.

 また、上記の第2の実施形態では、工程(C)の磁性分離の際に、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して分散することによりスラリー状態としている。しかし、前述のように工程(B)の微細化とともに、又は工程(B)の微細化の代わりに、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を有機溶媒を用いてスラリー状態とした場合には、このスラリー状態となった製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を工程(C)において磁性分離してもよい。つまり、工程(C)の磁性分離においてスラリー状態を生成する手間を省略することができる。 In the second embodiment described above, during the magnetic separation in step (C), the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state. However, as described above, when the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an organic solvent in addition to or instead of the pulverization in step (B), the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has become a slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.

 (1-2)水系溶媒によるスラリーの生成
 上記では有機溶媒によりスラリーを生成しているが、水系溶媒を用いてスラリーを生成してもよい。分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合(工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)とともに、又は、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)の代わりに行われる)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、希土類成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(D)の希土類粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、希土類成分の分離回収ルートにおいて、追加的に、工程(F)のろ過、工程(G)の中和が行われてもよい。また、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートに引き続いて、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を含む。なお、金属成分の分離回収ルートとして、追加的に、工程(I)の各種処理が行われてもよい。
(1-2) Generation of slurry by aqueous solvent In the above, the slurry is generated by an organic solvent, but the slurry may be generated by using an aqueous solvent. The separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, the preparation of unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing of the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent (performed together with the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B) or instead of the fine-graining (particularly fine-graining by grinding) in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order. In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of rare earth powder-containing material in step (D) as a separation and recovery route for rare earth components following the common separation and recovery route. In addition, in the separation and recovery route for rare earth components, filtration in step (F) and neutralization in step (G) may be performed. In addition, the separation and recovery method includes dissolution of metal powder-containing material in step (H) as a separation and recovery route for metal components following the common separation and recovery route. In addition, various treatments in step (I) may be carried out as a route for separating and recovering metal components.

 つまり、分離回収方法は、共通の分離回収ルートとして、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。この共通の分離回収ルートの順序を変更することにより、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)と、粉砕により微細化された製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離とがこの順序で行われることもできる。
 あるいは、共通の分離回収ルートは、工程(B)の微細化(特に、粉砕による微細化)を省略することにより、例えば、工程(A)の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の準備と、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物の水系溶媒への混合によるスラリーの生成と、工程(C)の磁性分離と、をこの順序で含む。
 なお、水系溶媒としては、例えば水を用いることができる。
That is, the separation and recovery method includes, as a common separation and recovery route, for example, the steps of preparing unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to generate a slurry, pulverizing (particularly, pulverizing by grinding) in step (B), and magnetic separation in step (C) in this order. By changing the order of this common separation and recovery route, the steps of preparing unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing in step (A), pulverizing (particularly, pulverizing by grinding) in step (B), mixing the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing finely pulverized by grinding with an aqueous solvent to generate a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C) can also be performed in this order.
Alternatively, a common separation and recovery route omits the pulverization (particularly pulverization by grinding) in step (B), and includes, for example, the steps of preparing unburned waste after production and degreasing in step (A), mixing the unburned waste after production and degreasing with an aqueous solvent to produce a slurry, and magnetic separation in step (C), in this order.
As the aqueous solvent, for example, water can be used.

 また、上記の第2の実施形態では、工程(C)の磁性分離の際に、工程(B)において微細化された後の製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を水又は有機溶媒と混合して分散することによりスラリー状態としている。しかし、前述のように工程(B)において製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を水系溶媒を用いてスラリー状態とした場合には、このスラリー状態となった製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を工程(C)において磁性分離してもよい。つまり、工程(C)の磁性分離においてスラリー状態を生成する手間を省略することができる。 In addition, in the second embodiment described above, during magnetic separation in step (C), the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has been pulverized in step (B) is mixed with water or an organic solvent and dispersed to form a slurry state. However, as described above, when the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing is made into a slurry state using an aqueous solvent in step (B), the unburned waste after manufacturing and degreasing that has become a slurry state may be magnetically separated in step (C). In other words, the effort of generating a slurry state in the magnetic separation in step (C) can be omitted.

 (2)製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物
 上記の第2の実施の形態では、第1の実施の形態と同様に、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法には、(工程3)の積層ブロックの形成、(工程4)の積層チップへのカット、(工程5)の製造脱脂、(工程6)の積層チップの焼成、(工程7)の下地電極層用ペーストの塗布及び焼成が順に含まれている。しかし、積層セラミックコンデンサ10の製造方法はこれに限定されず、例えば、工程5の製造脱脂前であり、工程6の焼成(積層チップの焼成)前の未焼成の積層チップに対して下地電極層用ペーストを塗布した後に製造脱脂、及び、焼成を行う場合がある。つまり、まず、工程5の製造脱脂前の積層チップに対して、Ni、ガラス成分、樹脂成分等を含む下地電極層用ペーストを塗布する。次に、下地電極層用ペーストが塗布された積層チップを製造脱脂し、さらにその後に焼成する。製造脱脂時の温度は、例えば、800℃より高く、1000℃以下であることが好ましい。焼成温度は、例えば、1000℃より高く、1400℃以下であることが好ましい。これらの工程は、上記の製造方法の工程4の積層チップへのカットの後であり工程8のめっき工程の前に行われる。そして、これらの工程では、上記の工程6の積層チップの焼成と工程7の下地電極層用ペーストの焼成とを一度の焼成で行っている。このような製造方法を考慮した場合には、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物として、上記の実施の形態において挙げたものに加えて、下地電極層用ペーストが塗布された後の未焼成(工程6の焼成と工程7の焼成とが一度に行われる焼成前)である製造脱脂後の積層チップの廃棄物が含まれる。この場合、下地電極層用ペースト内のNi粉末が分離・回収の対象に含まれる。なお、下地電極層用ペーストの中に、セラミック粉末からなる共材が更に含まれていてもよい。
(2) Unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing In the above-mentioned second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 includes the formation of a laminated block in (step 3), cutting into laminated chips in (step 4), manufacturing and degreasing in (step 5), firing of the laminated chips in (step 6), and application and firing of the base electrode layer paste in (step 7) in that order. However, the manufacturing method of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is not limited to this, and for example, before the manufacturing and degreasing in step 5 and before the firing (firing of the laminated chips) in step 6, the manufacturing and degreasing and firing may be performed after applying the base electrode layer paste to the unfired laminated chips. That is, first, the base electrode layer paste containing Ni, glass components, resin components, etc. is applied to the laminated chips before the manufacturing and degreasing in step 5. Next, the laminated chips to which the base electrode layer paste is applied are manufactured and degreased, and then fired. The temperature during the manufacturing and degreasing is preferably, for example, higher than 800°C and lower than 1000°C. The firing temperature is preferably, for example, higher than 1000°C and not higher than 1400°C. These steps are performed after the cutting into laminated chips in step 4 of the above manufacturing method and before the plating step in step 8. In these steps, the firing of the laminated chips in step 6 and the firing of the base electrode layer paste in step 7 are performed in a single firing. When such a manufacturing method is taken into consideration, the unfired waste after manufacturing and degreasing includes, in addition to those listed in the above embodiment, waste of laminated chips after manufacturing and degreasing that are unfired after the base electrode layer paste is applied (before the firing in step 6 and the firing in step 7 are performed at the same time). In this case, the Ni powder in the base electrode layer paste is included in the target for separation and recovery. In addition, the base electrode layer paste may further contain a common material made of ceramic powder.

 なお、以上のように、本発明の実施の形態は、前記記載で開示されているが、本発明は、これに限定されるものではない。
 すなわち、本発明の技術的思想及び目的の範囲から逸脱することなく、以上説明した実施の形態に対し、機序、形状、材質、数量、位置又は配置等に関して、様々の変更を加えることができるものであり、それらは、本発明に含まれるものである。
As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In other words, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments in terms of mechanism, shape, material, quantity, position, arrangement, etc. without departing from the scope of the technical idea and purpose of the present invention, and these are included in the present invention.

<その他の変形例>
 第1及び第2の実施の形態の両方に適用可能な変形例について以下に説明する。
 (1)製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物が排出されるその他の積層セラミックコンデンサ
 上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態では、製造する積層セラミックコンデンサとして、第1の外部電極30a及び第2の外部電極30bの2つの端子を有する2端子型積層セラミックコンデンサを説明した。しかし、本発明の適用範囲は、2端子型積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物に限定されない。本発明の適用対象は、Ni等の金属粉末を含む内部電極層と、BaTiO3等の誘電体材料及びDy等の添加剤である希土類粉末を含むセラミック層と、を有する積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物である。よって、本発明は、例えば、3端子型積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物又は製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物に適用されてもよい。
<Other Modifications>
Modifications that are applicable to both the first and second embodiments will be described below.
(1) Other multilayer ceramic capacitors in which unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing is discharged In the above first and second embodiments, a two-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor having two terminals, the first external electrode 30a and the second external electrode 30b, has been described as a multilayer ceramic capacitor to be manufactured. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a two-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor. The subject of application of the present invention is unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor having an internal electrode layer containing metal powder such as Ni , and a ceramic layer containing a dielectric material such as BaTiO 3 and rare earth powder as an additive such as Dy. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to unfired waste before degreasing or unfired waste after degreasing discharged in the manufacturing process of a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor, for example.

 例えば、3端子型積層セラミックコンデンサは、上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態と同様の積層体12と、第1~第4の外部電極と、を有する。内部電極層16は、第1の端面12e及び第2の端面12fに引き出される第1の内部電極層と、第1の側面12c及び第2の側面12dに引き出される第2の内部電極層と、を有する。積層体12の第1の端面12eには第1の外部電極が配置される。第1の外部電極は、積層体12の第1の端面12eにおいて露出している第1の内部電極層に電気的に接続されている。積層体12の第2の端面12fには第2の外部電極が配置される。第2の外部電極は、積層体12の第2の端面12fにおいて露出している第1の内部電極層に電気的に接続されている。積層体12の第1の側面12cには第3の外部電極が配置される。第3の外部電極は、積層体12の第1の側面12cにおいて露出している第2の内部電極層に電気的に接続されている。積層体12の第2の側面12dには、第4の外部電極が配置される。第4の外部電極は、積層体12の第2の側面12dにおいて露出している第2の内部電極層に電気的に接続されている。 For example, a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor has a laminate 12 similar to those of the first and second embodiments described above, and first to fourth external electrodes. The internal electrode layer 16 has a first internal electrode layer extended to the first end face 12e and the second end face 12f, and a second internal electrode layer extended to the first side face 12c and the second side face 12d. A first external electrode is disposed on the first end face 12e of the laminate 12. The first external electrode is electrically connected to the first internal electrode layer exposed at the first end face 12e of the laminate 12. A second external electrode is disposed on the second end face 12f of the laminate 12. The second external electrode is electrically connected to the first internal electrode layer exposed at the second end face 12f of the laminate 12. A third external electrode is disposed on the first side face 12c of the laminate 12. The third external electrode is electrically connected to the second internal electrode layer exposed at the first side surface 12c of the laminate 12. A fourth external electrode is disposed on the second side surface 12d of the laminate 12. The fourth external electrode is electrically connected to the second internal electrode layer exposed at the second side surface 12d of the laminate 12.

 (2)工程(F)のろ過について
 工程(D)において希土類粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解すると、希土類粉末含有物に含まれる第1のセラミック粉末は鉱酸と反応することにより未溶解物となり沈殿する。一方、希土類粉末は溶解して希土類成分含有溶液が生成される。この未溶解物を含む希土類成分含有溶液を希土類成分として回収することもできる。この場合、ろ過等の固液分離の工程(F)を省略可能である。
(2) Filtration in step (F) When the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved in mineral acid in step (D), the first ceramic powder contained in the rare earth powder-containing material reacts with the mineral acid to become undissolved and precipitate. Meanwhile, the rare earth powder dissolves to produce a rare earth component-containing solution. The rare earth component-containing solution containing the undissolved matter can also be recovered as the rare earth component. In this case, the solid-liquid separation step (F), such as filtration, can be omitted.

 (3)工程(G)の中和の省略
 上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態では、工程(D)希土類粉末含有物の溶解において、希土類成分は希土類成分含有溶液として分離回収することができる。よって、工程(G)の中和を省略可能である。
(3) Omission of neutralization in step (G) In the first and second embodiments described above, in the dissolution of the rare earth powder-containing material in step (D), the rare earth components can be separated and recovered as a rare earth component-containing solution. Therefore, the neutralization in step (G) can be omitted.

 (4)工程(I)の各種処理の省略
 上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態では、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解において、金属成分含有溶液は金属成分として分離回収することができる。よって、工程(I)の各種処理を省略可能である。
(4) Omission of Various Treatments in Step (I) In the first and second embodiments described above, in the dissolution of the metal powder-containing material in step (H), the metal component-containing solution can be separated and recovered as metal components. Therefore, the various treatments in step (I) can be omitted.

 (5)希土類成分のその他の分離回収方法
 上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態では、工程(G)の中和においてDy(OH)3等の希土類成分化合物が希土類成分として分離回収される。しかし、希土類成分の分離回収はこれに限定されない。例えば、一例であるが、希土類成分は次のように回収することができる。
(5) Other methods for separating and recovering rare earth components In the first and second embodiments described above, rare earth component compounds such as Dy(OH) 3 are separated and recovered as rare earth components in the neutralization step (G). However, the method for separating and recovering rare earth components is not limited to this. For example, the rare earth components can be recovered as follows.

 (a)
 工程(G)の中和により得られた希土類成分化合物を熱処理して酸化物を生成することにより当該酸化物を希土類成分として回収することができる。
 例えば、工程(G)の中和を経た後に得られる希土類成分化合物がDy(OH)3である場合、Dy(OH)3を熱処理することにより酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy23)を希土類成分として回収することができる。
(a)
The rare earth component compound obtained by neutralization in step (G) is heat-treated to produce an oxide, and the oxide can be recovered as the rare earth component.
For example, when the rare earth component compound obtained after the neutralization in step (G) is Dy(OH) 3 , dysprosium oxide (Dy 2 O 3 ) can be recovered as the rare earth component by heat treating Dy(OH) 3 .

 (b)
 工程(G)の中和により得られた希土類成分化合物を塩酸に溶解して塩化物を生成することにより当該塩化物を希土類成分として回収することができる。
 例えば、工程(G)の中和を経た後に得られる希土類成分化合物がDy(OH)3である場合、Dy(OH)3を塩酸に溶解することにより塩化ジスプロシウム(DyCl3)溶液を生成する。塩化ジスプロシウム溶液を留去して溶媒を蒸発させることにより、塩化ジスプロシウム6水和物(DyCl3・6H2O)を希土類成分として回収することができる。
(b)
The rare earth component compound obtained by neutralization in step (G) is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a chloride, and the chloride can be recovered as the rare earth component.
For example, when the rare earth component compound obtained after the neutralization in step (G) is Dy(OH) 3 , Dy(OH) 3 is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a dysprosium chloride ( DyCl3 ) solution. The dysprosium chloride solution is distilled to evaporate the solvent, and dysprosium chloride hexahydrate ( DyCl3.6H2O ) can be recovered as the rare earth component.

 (c)
 また、前述の(b)と同様に工程(G)の中和を経た後に得られる希土類成分化合物であるDy(OH)3を塩酸に溶解することにより塩化ジスプロシウム溶液を生成する。その後、さらに精製することにより高純度の希土類成分を回収することができる。
 例えば、前述のように生成された塩化ジスプロシウム溶液を溶媒抽出により精製し、高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム溶液を希土類成分として回収することができる。溶媒抽出とは、互いに混ざり合わない液体である油相及び水相の一方に溶解している溶質を他方へ移動させる、溶質の分配を利用した分離精製法である。溶媒抽出以外の方法としては、例えばイオン交換樹脂法等を用いることができる。
(c)
Similarly to the above (b), the rare earth component compound Dy(OH) 3 obtained after neutralization in step (G) is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a dysprosium chloride solution, which is then further purified to recover a high-purity rare earth component.
For example, the dysprosium chloride solution produced as described above can be purified by solvent extraction, and a high-purity dysprosium chloride solution can be recovered as a rare earth component. Solvent extraction is a separation and purification method that utilizes the partitioning of solutes, in which a solute dissolved in one of the oil phase and the water phase, which are immiscible liquids, is transferred to the other phase. As a method other than solvent extraction, for example, an ion exchange resin method can be used.

 (d)
 また、前述の(c)の溶媒抽出により得られた高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム溶液から高純度の酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy23)を回収することができる。この場合、例えば、まず高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム溶液にシュウ酸を添加してシュウ酸ジスプロシウムを沈殿させる。これをろ過することにより、高純度のシュウ酸ジスプロシウム6水和物(Dy2(C243・6H2O)を回収する。この高純度のシュウ酸ジスプロシウム6水和物を熱処理することにより、高純度の酸化ジスプロシウム(Dy23)を希土類成分として回収することができる。
(d)
Also, high-purity dysprosium oxide ( Dy2O3 ) can be recovered from the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution obtained by the solvent extraction in (c) above. In this case, for example , first, oxalic acid is added to the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution to precipitate dysprosium oxalate. By filtering this, high-purity dysprosium oxalate hexahydrate ( Dy2 ( C2O4 ) 3.6H2O ) is recovered . By heat-treating this high-purity dysprosium oxalate hexahydrate, high-purity dysprosium oxide ( Dy2O3 ) can be recovered as a rare earth component.

 (e)
 また、前述の(c)の溶媒抽出により得られた高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム溶液から高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム6水和物を回収することができる。この場合、例えば、高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム溶液を留去して溶媒を蒸発させることにより高純度の塩化ジスプロシウム6水和物を回収する。
(e)
Also, high-purity dysprosium chloride hexahydrate can be recovered from the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution obtained by the above-mentioned solvent extraction (c). In this case, for example, high-purity dysprosium chloride hexahydrate is recovered by distilling off the high-purity dysprosium chloride solution and evaporating the solvent.

 (f)希土類成分の状態
 回収した希土類成分の状態は、液体状態、固体状態、液体及び固体の混合状態のいずれであってもよい。また、希土類成分の結晶格子は、非晶質の状態、結晶質の状態、非晶質及び結晶質が混在した状態のいずれであってもよい。
(f) State of the rare earth component The state of the recovered rare earth component may be any of a liquid state, a solid state, and a mixed state of liquid and solid. In addition, the crystal lattice of the rare earth component may be any of an amorphous state, a crystalline state, and a mixed state of amorphous and crystalline.

 (6)金属成分のその他の分離回収方法
 上記の第1及び第2の実施の形態では、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解において金属粉末含有物を鉱酸に溶解している。そして、金属成分含有溶液を金属成分として分離回収している。また、続く工程(I)の各種処理において、沈殿している第2のセラミック粉末を含む金属成分含有溶液をろ過することにより、第2のセラミック粉末が除去された金属成分含有溶液が金属成分として分離回収される。しかし、金属成分の分離回収はこれに限定されない。例えば、一例であるが、金属成分は次のように回収することができる。
(6) Other methods for separating and recovering metal components In the first and second embodiments described above, the metal powder-containing material is dissolved in a mineral acid in the dissolution of the metal powder-containing material in step (H). The metal component-containing solution is then separated and recovered as a metal component. In the various treatments in the subsequent step (I), the metal component-containing solution containing the precipitated second ceramic powder is filtered, and the metal component-containing solution from which the second ceramic powder has been removed is separated and recovered as a metal component. However, the separation and recovery of the metal component is not limited to this. For example, as one example, the metal component can be recovered as follows.

 (a)
 金属成分含有溶液を晶析することにより金属成分化合物を金属成分として回収することができる。
 例えば、工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を経た後に得られる金属成分含有溶液が硫酸ニッケル(NiSO4)溶液である場合、硫酸ニッケル溶液を晶析させるとともにろ過することにより硫酸ニッケル六水和物(NiSO4・6H2O)を金属成分として回収することができる。
(a)
By crystallizing the metal component-containing solution, the metal component compound can be recovered as the metal component.
For example, when the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) is a nickel sulfate ( NiSO4 ) solution, nickel sulfate hexahydrate ( NiSO4.6H2O ) can be recovered as the metal component by crystallizing and filtering the nickel sulfate solution.

 (b)
 工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を経た後に得られる金属成分含有溶液を精製することにより高純度の金属成分を回収することができる。
 例えば、金属成分含有溶液である硫酸ニッケル(NiSO4)溶液をイオン交換樹脂法、溶媒抽出法等により精製し、高純度の硫酸ニッケル溶液を金属成分として回収することができる。
(b)
By purifying the metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the material containing metal powder in step (H), it is possible to recover high-purity metal components.
For example, a nickel sulfate (NiSO 4 ) solution containing metal components can be purified by an ion exchange resin method, a solvent extraction method, or the like, and a high-purity nickel sulfate solution can be recovered as the metal components.

 (c)
 前述の(b)で回収された高純度の硫酸ニッケル溶液を晶析させるとともにろ過することにより硫酸ニッケル六水和物(NiSO4・6H2O)を金属成分として回収することができる。
(c)
The high-purity nickel sulfate solution recovered in the above-mentioned (b) is crystallized and filtered, whereby nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO 4 .6H 2 O) can be recovered as the metal component.

 (d)
 工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を経た後に得られる金属成分含有溶液を前述の(b)とは異なる方法で精製することにより高純度の金属成分を回収することができる。
 例えば、金属成分含有溶液である硫酸ニッケル溶液から、例えば電解析出法等の溶液から当該溶液に溶解している固体を析出させる方法により固体の高純度のNiを析出させて金属成分として回収することができる。
(d)
The metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) can be purified by a method other than the above-mentioned (b) to recover high-purity metal components.
For example, from a nickel sulfate solution, which is a metal component-containing solution, high-purity solid Ni can be precipitated and recovered as a metal component by a method of precipitating a solid dissolved in the solution, such as electrolytic deposition.

 (e)
 前述の(d)で回収された高純度のNiを処理することにより塩化ニッケル六水和物(NiCl2・6H2O)を金属成分として回収することができる。例えば、前述の(d)で回収された高純度のNiを塩酸に溶解することにより高純度の塩化ニッケル(NiCl2)溶液を生成する。塩化ニッケル溶液を噴霧乾燥することにより、高純度の塩化ニッケル六水和物を生成する。さらに高純度の塩化ニッケル六水和物を熱風乾燥することによりさらに高純度の塩化ニッケル六水和物を金属成分として回収することができる。
(e)
By processing the high-purity Ni recovered in the above (d), nickel chloride hexahydrate ( NiCl2.6H2O ) can be recovered as a metal component. For example, by dissolving the high-purity Ni recovered in the above (d) in hydrochloric acid, a high-purity nickel chloride ( NiCl2 ) solution is produced. By spray-drying the nickel chloride solution, high-purity nickel chloride hexahydrate is produced. By further drying the high-purity nickel chloride hexahydrate with hot air, even higher purity nickel chloride hexahydrate can be recovered as a metal component.

 (f)
 工程(H)の金属粉末含有物の溶解を経た後に得られる金属成分含有溶液を中和して塩化物を生成することにより当該塩化物を金属成分として回収することができる。
 例えば、金属成分含有溶液である硫酸ニッケル溶液を水酸化ナトリウム、水酸化カリウムなどのアルカリにより例えば約pH10(pH9以上pH11以下)となるように調整して中和し、水酸化ニッケル(Ni(OH)2)を沈殿させる。沈殿した水酸化ニッケル(Ni(OH)2)は例えばろ過することにより分離回収される。さらに、水酸化ニッケルを塩酸に溶解することにより、塩化ニッケル(NiCl2)溶液を生成する。次に、塩化ニッケル溶液を留去して溶媒を蒸発させることにより、塩化ニッケル6水和物(NiCl2・6H2O)を金属成分として回収することができる。
(f)
The metal component-containing solution obtained after dissolving the metal powder-containing material in step (H) is neutralized to generate chlorides, and the chlorides can be recovered as the metal components.
For example, a nickel sulfate solution, which is a metal component-containing solution, is neutralized by adjusting the pH to, for example, about 10 (pH 9 or higher and pH 11 or lower) with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, and nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) is precipitated. The precipitated nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) is separated and recovered, for example, by filtration. Furthermore, nickel hydroxide is dissolved in hydrochloric acid to produce a nickel chloride ( NiCl2 ) solution. Next, nickel chloride hexahydrate ( NiCl2.6H2O ) can be recovered as the metal component by distilling off the nickel chloride solution and evaporating the solvent.

 (g)金属成分の状態
 回収した金属成分の状態は、液体状態、固体状態、液体及び固体の混合状態のいずれであってもよい。また、金属成分の結晶格子は、非晶質の状態、結晶質の状態、非晶質及び結晶質が混在した状態のいずれであってもよい。
(g) State of Metal Component The state of the recovered metal component may be any of liquid, solid, and mixed liquid and solid. The crystal lattice of the metal component may be any of amorphous, crystalline, and mixed amorphous and crystalline.

 <1>
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<1>
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, the unsintered waste containing a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) pulverizing the unburned waste before production and degreasing in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unburned waste before the production and degreasing, which has been subjected to the step (B), into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing comprises the steps of:

 <2>
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 
<2>
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, the unsintered waste containing a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) a step of finely grinding the unburned waste before the production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unburned waste before the production and degreasing, which has been subjected to the step (B), into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing comprises the steps of:

 <3>
 前記セラミック粉末は、第1のセラミック粉末と、前記第1のセラミック粉末よりも粒径の小さい第2のセラミック粉末と、含み、
 前記金属粉末含有物において、前記金属粉末と前記第2のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、
 前記希土類粉末含有物において、前記希土類粉末と前記第1のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている、<1>又は<2>に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<3>
The ceramic powder includes a first ceramic powder and a second ceramic powder having a smaller particle size than the first ceramic powder;
In the metal powder inclusion, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other,
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to <1> or <2>, wherein in the rare earth powder-containing material, the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.

 <4>
 前記工程(B)における微細化は粉砕及び有機溶媒の投入の少なくともいずれかにより行われる、<1>又は<2>に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<4>
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to <1> or <2>, wherein the pulverization in the step (B) is carried out by at least one of pulverization and introduction of an organic solvent.

 <5>
 前記工程(B)では、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂した後、前記リサイクル脱脂した後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と前記溶媒としての水系溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する、<1>、<3>、<4>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<5>
In the step (B), the resin component is recycled and degreased from the unburned waste before production and degreasing, and then the unburned waste before production and degreasing after the recycled degreasing is mixed with an aqueous solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry, and the slurry is pulverized in the slurry.

 <6>
 前記工程(B)では、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と前記溶媒としての有機溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する、<1>、<3>、<4>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<6>
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1>, <3> and <4>, wherein in the step (B), the unburned waste before production and degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry, and the rare earth components and metal components are pulverized in the slurry.

 <7>
 (E)前記工程(A)と前記工程(B)との間において前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂するか、前記工程(B)と前記工程(C)との間において前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂するか、あるいは、前記工程(C)と前記工程(D)及び工程(H)との間において前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物及び前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物それぞれから前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂する工程をさらに備える、<1>乃至<6>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<7>
(E) The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <6>, further comprising a step of recycling and degreasing the resin component from the unburned waste before production and degreasing between the step (A) and the step (B), or recycling and degreasing the resin component from the unburned waste before production and degreasing between the step (B) and the step (C), or recycling and degreasing the resin component from the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) and the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C), respectively, between the step (C) and the steps (D) and (H).

 <8>
 前記工程(E)においてリサイクル脱脂する際の脱脂温度は600℃以上1000℃以下である、<7>に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<8>
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to <7>, wherein the degreasing temperature in the recycle degreasing in the step (E) is 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower.

 <9>
 (F)沈殿している前記セラミック粉末を含む前記希土類成分含有溶液を固液分離する工程をさらに備える、<1>乃至<8>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<9>
(F) A method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <8>, further comprising a step of performing solid-liquid separation of the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated ceramic powder.

 <10>
 (G)前記希土類成分含有溶液を中和することにより、前記希土類成分を沈殿させて回収する工程をさらに備える、<1>乃至<9>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<10>
(G) The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <9>, further comprising a step of neutralizing the rare earth component-containing solution to precipitate and recover the rare earth components.

 <11>
 前記工程(G)では、前記希土類成分含有溶液をpH6以上pH9以下に調整することにより前記希土類成分を回収する、<10>に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<11>
In the step (G), the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 6 or more and a pH of 9 or less to recover the rare earth component.

 <12>
 前記工程(D)では、前記鉱酸を添加することにより前記希土類成分含有溶液がpH1.5以上pH2.5以下となるように調整する、<1>乃至<11>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<12>
<12> The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein in the step (D), the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding the mineral acid.

 <13>
 前記金属成分はNiであり、前記セラミック粉末はBaTiO3である、<1>乃至<12>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<13>
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the metal component is Ni and the ceramic powder is BaTiO 3 .

 <14>
 前記希土類成分は、Dy、Sc、Y、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Pm、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Luのうち少なくとも1種である、<1>乃至<13>のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<14>
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the rare earth components are at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.

 <15>
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、前記製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<15>
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the unsintered waste after degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and a resin component is degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) pulverizing the unburned waste after the manufacturing and degreasing in a slurry produced by mixing the unburned waste after the manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the production and degreasing step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing comprises the steps of:

 <16>
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、前記製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、にて分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
<16>
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the unsintered waste after degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and a resin component is degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) a step of finely grinding the unburned waste after the production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing comprises the steps of:

10    :積層セラミックコンデンサ
12    :積層体
12a   :第1の主面
12b   :第2の主面
12c   :第1の側面
12d   :第2の側面
12e   :第1の端面
12f   :第2の端面
14    :セラミック層
14_U  :未焼成時のセラミック層
16  :内部電極層
16_U  :未焼成時の内部電極層
16a   :第1の内部電極層
16b   :第2の内部電極層
30    :外部電極
30a   :第1の外部電極
30b   :第2の外部電極
32    :下地電極層
32a   :第1の下地電極層
32b   :第2の下地電極層
34    :めっき層
34a   :第1のめっき層
34b   :第2のめっき層
x     :高さ方向
y     :幅方向
z     :長さ方向
Reference Signs List 10: Multilayer ceramic capacitor 12: Laminate 12a: First main surface 12b: Second main surface 12c: First side surface 12d: Second side surface 12e: First end surface 12f: Second end surface 14: Ceramic layer 14_U: Unsintered ceramic layer 16: Internal electrode layer 16_U: Unsintered internal electrode layer 16a: First internal electrode layer 16b: Second internal electrode layer 30: External electrode 30a: First external electrode 30b: Second external electrode 32: Base electrode layer 32a: First base electrode layer 32b: Second base electrode layer 34: Plating layer 34a: First plating layer 34b: Second plating layer x: Height direction y: Width direction z: Length direction

Claims (16)

 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, the unsintered waste containing a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) pulverizing the unburned waste before production and degreasing in a slurry generated by mixing the unburned waste before production and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unburned waste before the production and degreasing, which has been subjected to the step (B), into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing comprises the steps of:
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、樹脂成分と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste before firing and degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste before degreasing, the unsintered waste containing a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, a rare earth powder, and a resin component, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other;
(B) a step of finely grinding the unburned waste before the production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unburned waste before the production and degreasing, which has been subjected to the step (B), into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing comprises the steps of:
 前記セラミック粉末は、第1のセラミック粉末と、前記第1のセラミック粉末よりも粒径の小さい第2のセラミック粉末と、含み、
 前記金属粉末含有物において、前記金属粉末と前記第2のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、
 前記希土類粉末含有物において、前記希土類粉末と前記第1のセラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っている、請求項1又は2に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
The ceramic powder includes a first ceramic powder and a second ceramic powder having a smaller particle size than the first ceramic powder;
In the metal powder inclusion, the metal powder and the second ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other,
3. The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing, as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the rare earth powder-containing material, the rare earth powder and the first ceramic powder are at least partially adhered to each other.
 前記工程(B)における微細化は粉砕及び有機溶媒の投入の少なくともいずれかにより行われる、請求項1又は2に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing, as described in claim 1 or 2, in which the pulverization in step (B) is performed by at least one of grinding and the introduction of an organic solvent.  前記工程(B)では、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂した後、前記リサイクル脱脂した後の前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と前記溶媒としての水系溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する、請求項1、3、4のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unburned waste before degreasing as described in any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, in which, in step (B), the resin components are recycled and degreased from the unburned waste before degreasing, and then the unburned waste before degreasing after the recycled and degreasing is mixed with an aqueous solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry, which is then pulverized.  前記工程(B)では、前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物と前記溶媒としての有機溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する、請求項1、3、4のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before degreasing as described in any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, in which in the step (B), the unburned waste before degreasing is mixed with an organic solvent as the solvent to produce a slurry and the components are pulverized.  (E)前記工程(A)と前記工程(B)との間において前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂するか、前記工程(B)と前記工程(C)との間において前記製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物から前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂するか、あるいは、前記工程(C)と前記工程(D)及び工程(H)との間において前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物及び前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物それぞれから前記樹脂成分をリサイクル脱脂する工程をさらに備える、請求項1乃至6のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 (E) The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before degreasing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step of recycling and degreasing the resin components from the unburned waste before degreasing between the steps (A) and (B), or recycling and degreasing the resin components from the unburned waste before degreasing between the steps (B) and (C), or recycling and degreasing the resin components from the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) and the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C), respectively, between the steps (C) and (D) and (H).  前記工程(E)においてリサイクル脱脂する際の脱脂温度は600℃以上1000℃以下である、請求項7に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production degreasing described in claim 7, wherein the degreasing temperature during recycling degreasing in step (E) is 600°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.  (F)沈殿している前記セラミック粉末を含む前記希土類成分含有溶液を固液分離する工程をさらに備える、請求項1乃至8のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。  (F) A method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a step of performing solid-liquid separation of the rare earth component-containing solution containing the precipitated ceramic powder.  (G)前記希土類成分含有溶液を中和することにより、前記希土類成分を沈殿させて回収する工程をさらに備える、請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。  (G) A method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing, as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a step of precipitating and recovering the rare earth components by neutralizing the rare earth component-containing solution.  前記工程(G)では、前記希土類成分含有溶液をpH6以上pH9以下に調整することにより前記希土類成分を回収する、請求項10に記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing described in claim 10, wherein in step (G), the rare earth components are recovered by adjusting the pH of the rare earth component-containing solution to a value between 6 and 9.  前記工程(D)では、前記鉱酸を添加することにより前記希土類成分含有溶液がpH1.5以上pH2.5以下となるように調整する、請求項1乃至11のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in step (D), the rare earth component-containing solution is adjusted to a pH of 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less by adding the mineral acid.  前記金属成分はNiであり、前記セラミック粉末はBaTiO3である、請求項1乃至12のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 13. The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to claim 1, wherein the metal component is Ni and the ceramic powder is BaTiO3 .  前記希土類成分は、Dy、Sc、Y、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Pm、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Luのうち少なくとも1種である、請求項1乃至13のいずれかに記載の製造脱脂前の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。 The method for separating and recovering rare earth and metal components from unburned waste before production and degreasing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the rare earth component is at least one of Dy, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.  (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、前記製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物と溶媒とを混合して生成したスラリーの中で微細化する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、に分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the unsintered waste after degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and a resin component is degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) pulverizing the unburned waste after the manufacturing and degreasing in a slurry produced by mixing the unburned waste after the manufacturing and degreasing with a solvent;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the production and degreasing step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder, using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing comprises the steps of:
 (A)積層セラミックコンデンサの製造工程において排出される焼成前であり製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物であって、磁性を有する金属粉末と、セラミック粉末と、希土類粉末と、を含み、前記金属粉末と前記セラミック粉末とが少なくとも部分的に互いに付着し合っており、前記製造工程において樹脂成分が脱脂されている製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を準備する工程と、
 (B)前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を微細化したものを溶媒と混合してスラリーを生成する工程と、
 (C)前記工程(B)を経た後の前記製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物を、磁石を用いて、前記金属粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む金属粉末含有物と、前記希土類粉末及び前記セラミック粉末を含む希土類粉末含有物と、にて分離して回収する工程と、
 (D)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記希土類粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記希土類粉末含有物中の前記希土類粉末が希土類成分として溶解した希土類成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 (H)前記工程(C)を経た後の前記金属粉末含有物を硫酸、硝酸及び塩酸を含む群から選ばれる少なくとも1種の鉱酸に溶解することにより、前記金属粉末含有物中の前記セラミック粉末を沈殿させるとともに前記金属粉末含有物中の前記金属粉末が金属成分として溶解した金属成分含有溶液を生成する工程と、
 を備える、製造脱脂後の未焼成廃棄物からの希土類成分及び金属成分の分離回収方法。
(A) a step of preparing unsintered waste after degreasing and before sintering, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the unsintered waste including a magnetic metal powder, a ceramic powder, and a rare earth powder, the metal powder and the ceramic powder being at least partially adhered to each other, and the unsintered waste after degreasing, which is discharged in a manufacturing process of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and a resin component is degreased in the manufacturing process;
(B) a step of finely grinding the unburned waste after the production and degreasing and mixing it with a solvent to generate a slurry;
(C) a step of separating and recovering the unfired waste after the step (B) into a metal powder-containing material containing the metal powder and the ceramic powder and a rare earth powder-containing material containing the rare earth powder and the ceramic powder using a magnet;
(D) dissolving the rare earth powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the rare earth powder-containing material and producing a rare earth component-containing solution in which the rare earth powder in the rare earth powder-containing material is dissolved as a rare earth component;
(H) dissolving the metal powder-containing material after the step (C) in at least one mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, thereby precipitating the ceramic powder in the metal powder-containing material and generating a metal component-containing solution in which the metal powder in the metal powder-containing material is dissolved as a metal component;
The method for separating and recovering rare earth components and metal components from unburned waste after production and degreasing comprises the steps of:
PCT/JP2024/000872 2023-11-29 2024-01-15 Method for separating and recovering rare earth constituent and metal constituent from unsintered waste before manufacturing degreasing or from unsintered waste after manufacturing degreasing Pending WO2025115231A1 (en)

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