Abstract
Pyrolysis is a cost-effective and environmentally benign method for recycling organic waste, which can be converted into high-energy gases and oils. Pyrolysis technology was employed in this study to recycle copper-containing discarded circuit board material and recover copper, glass fibers, and gases and oils with high calorific values. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to evaluate pyrolyses of copper-containing waste circuit board materials conducted at different heating rates (5, 10, 20, and 40 °C/min), and the resulting volatiles were studied in detail. The effects of heating rate on the kinetics and activation energies for pyrolyses of copper-containing waste circuit boards were also investigated by using the Coats-Redfern (C-R) method. The TGA curves and FTIR spectra did not differ significantly for different heating rates, and the main functional groups identified with the FTIR results were O–H, C = C, aromatic benzene, substituted benzene, and C–Br. Additionally, GC–MS analyses showed that the heating rate had a great influence on the pyrolysis products formed; the phenol content decreased with increasing heating rate, and the highest content was realized at 5 ℃/min. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed that bromine was removed from the solid phase products during pyrolysis, while copper was effectively enriched in the feedstock. This indicated that pyrolysis can be used to recover copper-containing waste circuit boards.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data availability
The data and materials that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
References
Andersson M, Wedel MK, Forsgren C et al (2012) Microwave assisted pyrolysis of residual fractions of waste electrical and electronics equipment. J Miner Eng 29:105–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2011.09.005
Barnwal A, Dhawan N (2020) Recycling of discarded mobile printed circuit boards for extraction of gold and copper. J Sustain Mater Technol 25:e00164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2020.e00164
Barontini F, Cozzani V (2006) Formation of hydrogen bromide and organobrominated compounds in the thermal degradation of electronic boards. J J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 77(1):41–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2006.01.003
Bhaskar T, Matsui T, Uddin MA et al (2003) Effect of Sb2O3 in brominated heating impact polystyrene (HIPS-Br) on thermal degradation and debromination by iron oxide carbon composite catalyst (Fe-C). J Appl Catal b: Environ 43(3):229–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-3373(02)00306-5
Boissin E, Bois C, Wahl JC et al (2021) Ply scale modelling of the quasi-static and fatigue behaviours of an acrylic-thermoplastic-matrix and glass-fibre-reinforced laminated composite covering the service temperature range of wind turbine blades. J Int J Fatigue 152:106413
Chen S, Yang YK (2014) Effect of electronic components on copper impregnated waste printed circuit boards by Thiopherol oxide. J. J S Univ Sci Technol 29(03):45–48
Chien YC, Wang HP, Lin KS et al (2000) Fate of bromine in pyrolysis of printed circuit board wastes. J Chemosphere 40(4):383–387. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(99)00251-9
Criado JM (1978) Kinetic analysis of DTG data from master curve. Thermochim Acta 24:186–189
Duan H, Hu J, Yuan W et al (2016) Characterizing the environmental implications of the recycling of non-metallic fractions from waste printed circuit boards. J J Clean Prod 137:546–554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.131
Gao X, Dollimore D (1993) The thermal decomposition of oxalates: part 26. A kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of manganese (II) oxalate dihydrate[J]. Thermochim Acta 215:47–63
Ghosh B, Ghosh MK, Parhi P et al (2015) Waste printed circuit boards recycling: an extensive assessment of current status. J J Clean Prod 94:5–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.02.024
Grause G, Furusawa M, Okuwaki A et al (2008) Pyrolysis of tetrabromobisphenol-A containing paper laminated printed circuit boards. J Chemosphere 71(5):872–878
Guo J, Guo J, Wang S et al (2009) Asphalt modified with nonmetals separated from pulverized waste printed circuit boards. J Environ Sci Technol 43(2):503–508. https://doi.org/10.1021/es8023012
Guo C, Wang H, Liang W et al (2011) Liberation characteristic and physical separation of printed circuit board (PCB). J Waste Manag 31(9–10):2161–2166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2011.05.011
Hagelüken C (2006) Recycling of electronic scrap at Umicore’s integrated metals smelter and refinery. J Erzmetall 59(3):152–161
Hall WJ, Williams PT (2007) Separation and recovery of materials from scrap printed circuit boards. J Resources Conserv Recycl 51(3):691–709
Hao J, Wang H, Chen S et al (2014) Pyrolysis characteristics of the mixture of printed circuit board scraps and coal powder. J Waste Manag 34(10):1763–1769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2013.10.043
Hornung A, Balabanovich AI, Donner S et al (2003) Detoxification of brominated pyrolysis oils. J J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 70(2):723–733. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-2370(03)00049-4
Imhof HK, Laforsch C, Wiesheu AC et al (2016) Pigments and plastic in limnetic ecosystems: a qualitative and quantitative study on microparticles of different size classes[J]. Water Res 98:64–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2016.03.015
Li TY, Ge JL, Pei J et al (2019) Emissions and occupational exposure risk of halogenated flame retardants from primitive recycling of E-Waste. Environ Sci Technol 53(21):12495–12505. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b05027
Li CY, Xia HY, Liu CF et al (2022) Steam gasification assisted pyrolysis directional debromination of waste printed circuit boards and comprehensive utilization of products. J J Clean Prod 366:132979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132979
Liu YQ, Hai RT (2011) Pyrolysis of anti-bromine epoxy circuit boards. J Chem Ind Eng 62(3):823–828
Liu WJ, Tian K, Jiang H et al (2013) Preparation of liquid chemical feedstocks by co-pyrolysis of electronic waste and biomass without formation of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins. J Bioresource Technol 128:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.160
Liu X, Tan Q, Li Y et al (2017) Copper recovery from waste printed circuit boards concentrated metal scraps by electrolysis. J. Front Environ Sci Eng 11(5):1–5
Liu B, Gao R, Xu Z (2020) Fabrication of super-hydrophobic surfaces utilizing pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards. J J Clean Prod 244:118727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118727
Luda MP, Balabanovich AI, Camino G (2002) Thermal decomposition of fire retardant brominated epoxy resins. J J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 65(1):25–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-2370(01)00175-9
Ma C, Sánchez-Rodríguez D, Kamo T (2021) A comprehensive study on the oxidative pyrolysis of epoxy resin from fiber/epoxy composites: product characteristics and kinetics. J J Hazard Mater 412:125329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125329
Miho U, Masaaki F, Akitsugu O, 2003. Decomposition of 2-bromophenol in NaOH solution at high temperature, J J Hazard Mater, 231-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3894(03)00206-1
Nekouei RK, Tudela I, Pahlevani F et al (2020) Current trends in direct transformation of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) into value-added materials and products. J Curr Opin Green Sustain Chem 24:14–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2020.01.003
Nithya R, Sivasankari C, Thirunavukkarasu A et al (2018) Novel adsorbent prepared from bio-hydrometallurgical leachate from waste printed circuit board used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. J Microchem J 142:321–328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2018.07.009
Onwudili JA, Miskolczi N, Nagy T et al (2016) Recovery of glass fibre and carbon fibres from reinforced thermosets by batch pyrolysis and investigation of fibre re-using as reinforcement in LDPE matrix. J Comp Part b: Eng 91:154–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.01.055
Overend RP, Milne TA, Mudge LK (1985) Fundamentals of thermochemical biomass conversion. J Theoretical Numerical Analysis 185(3):232–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4932-4
Quan C, Li A, Gao N (2013) Combustion and pyrolysis of electronic waste: thermogravimetric analysis and kinetic model. J. Proc Environ Sci 18:776–782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2013.04.104
Sanchez-Jimenez PE, Perez-Maqueda LA, Perejon A, Criado JM (2010) A new model for the kinetic analysis of thermal degradation of polymers driven by random scission. Polym Degrad Stab 95(5):733–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.02.017
Sanchez-Jimenez PE, Perez-Maqueda LA, Perejon A, Criado JM (2013) Generalized master plots as a straightforward approach for determining the kinetic model: the case of cellulose pyrolysis. Thermochim Acta 552:54–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2012.11.003
Subadra SP, Griskevicius P, Yousef S (2020) Low velocity impact and pseudo-ductile behaviour of carbon/glass/epoxy and carbon/glass/PMMA hybrid composite laminates for aircraft application at service temperature. J Polymer Testing 89:106711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106711
Sun J, Wang W, Liu Z et al (2012) Kinetic study of the pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards subject to conventional and microwave heating. J Energies 5(9):3295–3306. https://doi.org/10.3390/en5093295
Suriapparao DV, Batchu SP, Jayasurya S et al (2018) Selective production of phenolics from waste printed circuit boards via microwave assisted pyrolysis. J J Clean Prod 197:525–533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.203
Tang Z, Huang Q, Cheng J et al (2014) Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soils, sediments, and human hair in a plastic waste recycling area: a neglected heavily polluted area[J]. Environ Sci Technol 48(3):1508–1516. https://doi.org/10.1021/es404905u
Wang L, Xue N, Jia YB et al (2019) Experimental study on the recovery of copper from waste circuit boards by ammonia immersion process. J Compr Utiliz Miner Resources 3:98–101
Wang F, Liu Y Q, Hai R T. 2011. Kinetic analysis of pyrolysis of anti-bromine epoxy resin circuit board. J. Journal of Chemical Industry and Engineering, 62(10), 2945–2950.
Xie YB (2020) Pyrolysis kinetics and product analysis of waste circuit board. J. Trans China Environ Eng Technol 10(2):303–309
Xiong X, Ma L, Zhang Z et al (2021) Mechanical, morphology, crystallisation and melting behaviour of polypropylene composites reinforced by non-metals recycled from waste printed circuit boards. J. Plastics Rubber Compos 50(4):162–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/14658011.2020.1855856
Xiu FR, Qi Y, Zhang FS (2013) Recovery of metals from waste printed circuit boards by supercritical water pre-treatment combined with acid leaching process. J Waste Manag 33(5):1251–1257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2013.01.023
Yang T, Xu Z, Wen J et al (2009) Factors influencing bioleaching copper from waste printed circuit boards by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. J Hydrometall 97(1–2):29–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2008.12.011
Yang X, Sun L, Xiang J et al (2013) Pyrolysis and dehalogenation of plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): A review. J Waste Manag 33(2):462–473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2012.07.025
Yin J, Li GM, He WZ et al (2014) Kinetics of non-metallic pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards. J Chin J Environ Eng 8(9):3946–3950
Yousef S, Subadra SP, Griškevičius P et al (2020a) Superhydrophilic functionalized graphene/fiberglass/epoxy laminates with high mechanical, impact and thermal performance and treated by plasma. J Polymer Test 90:106701
Yousef S, Tatariants M, Bendikiene R et al (2020b) A new industrial technology for closing the loop of full-size waste motherboards using chemical-ultrasonic-mechanical treatment. J Process Saf Environ Protect 140:367–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2020.04.002
Yousef S, Eimontas J, Striūgas N et al (2021a) Pyrolysis and gasification kinetic behavior of mango seed shells using TG-FTIR-GC–MS system under N2 and CO2 atmospheres. J Renew Energy 173:733–749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.04.034
Yousef S, Eimontas J, Striūgas N et al (2021b) Pyrolysis kinetic behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites using linear and nonlinear isoconversional methods. J Polymers 13(10):1543. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101543
Yousef S, Šereika J, Tonkonogovas A et al (2021c) CO2/CH4, CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 selectivity performance of PES membranes under high pressure and temperature for biogas upgrading systems. J Environ Technol Innov 21:101339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2020.101339
Yousef S, Kiminaite I, Eimontas J, Strugas N et al (2022) Catalytic pyrolysis kinetic behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites over ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst. J Fule 315:123235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.123235
Zhang S, Gu Y, Tang A et al (2021a) Forecast of future yield for printed circuit board resin waste generated from major household electrical and electronic equipment in China. J J Clean Prod 283:124575
Zhang T, Mao X, Qu J et al (2021b) Microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards, and migration and distribution of bromine. J J Hazard Mater 402:123749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123749
Zhao C, Zhang X, Shi L (2017) Catalytic pyrolysis characteristics of scrap printed circuit boards by TG-FTIR. J Waste Manag 61:354–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.12.019
Zheng Y, Shen Z, Cai C et al (2009) The reuse of nonmetals recycled from waste printed circuit boards as reinforcing fillers in the polypropylene composites. J J Hazard Mater 163(2–3):600–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.07.008
Zhou L, Xu Z (2012) Response to waste electrical and electronic equipments in China: legislation, recycling system, and advanced integrated process. J Environ Sci Technol 46(9):4713–4724. https://doi.org/10.1021/es203771m
Zhou Y, Wu W, Qiu K (2010) Recovery of materials from waste printed circuit boards by vacuum pyrolysis and vacuum centrifugal separation. J Waste Manag 30(11):2299–2304
Funding
The research is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21966019), Yunnan Major Projects (202202AB080007), Yunnan Xingdian Talent Support Project-Industrial innovation talents (2019–1096), Yunnan Xingdian Talent Support Project-Young talents (2018–73), and the analysis and testing fund of Kunming University of Science and Technology (2021T20090154).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Chunyu Li: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, resources, software, writing—original draft. Hongying Xia: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, funding acquisition, project administration, supervision, writing—review and editing. Chengfei Liu: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis. Kangqing Zeng: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis. Libo Zhang: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, software, writing—review and editing.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate.
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
The authors have not submitted the manuscript to a preprint server before submitting it to Environmental Science and Pollution Research. The manuscript has not been published elsewhere, accepted for publication elsewhere, or under editorial review for publication elsewhere. The authors have approved the manuscript and agreed with its submission to Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Additional information
Responsible Editor: Guilherme L. Dotto
Publisher's note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Li, C., Xia, H., Liu, C. et al. Analysis of the effect of heating rate on pyrolysis kinetics and product composition of copper-containing waste circuit boards. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 33075–33089 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24524-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24524-1