Statistical modeling and process optimization for valorization of waste printed circuit boards using supercritical
Rima Kumari1, Sukha Ranjan Samadder1
1Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, 826004, India.
Journal of Environmental Management
|June 20, 2025
Summary
Supercritical methanol effectively recycles waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), achieving 96% organic degradation. This eco-friendly process recovers valuable metals and methanol, promoting sustainable e-waste management.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) present complex recycling challenges due to their heterogeneous composition.
- Improper WPCB management causes environmental pollution and resource depletion.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate supercritical methanol as a WPCB treatment and valorization method.
- Optimize process variables for maximum organic degradation efficiency (ODE).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Box-Behnken design to study and optimize key process variables.
- Applied supercritical methanol treatment to WPCBs.
Main Results:
- Achieved approximately 96% ODE under optimized conditions (350°C, 90 min, 20 mL/g ratio).
- Significantly increased metal concentration in treated WPCBs, with copper reaching 35.76%.
- Generated a liquid product rich in phenolic compounds via free radical resin decomposition, with over 90% methanol recovery.
Conclusions:
- Supercritical methanol is a viable, eco-friendly method for WPCB resin treatment.
- The closed-loop process supports sustainable e-waste recycling and resource recovery.
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