Gravity and Electrostatic Separation for Recovering Metals from Obsolete Printed Circuit Board.

Camila Mori De Oliveira,Giovanna Zanetti,Rossana Bellopede,Alice Tori,Paola Marini

doi:10.3390/ma15051874

Camila Mori De Oliveira, Giovanna Zanetti + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051874

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Journal: Materials	Publication Date: Mar 2, 2022
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Polytechnic University of Turin

Abstract

This study proposed an evaluation of enrichment processes of obsolete Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), by means of gravity and electrostatic separation, aiming at the recovery of metals. PCBs are the most important component in electronic devices, having high concentrations of metals and offering a secondary source of raw materials. Its recycling promotes the reduction in the environmental impacts associated with its production, use, and disposal. The recovery method studied started with the dismantling of the PCB, followed by a comminution and granulometric classification. Subsequent magnetic, gravity, and electrostatic separations were performed. After the separations, a macroscopic visual evaluation and chemical analysis were carried out, determining the metal content in the concentrate products. The results obtained from gravity separation showed a product with metallic concentrations of 89% and 76% for particle sizes of 0.3–0.6 mm and 0.6–1.18 mm, respectively. In electrostatic separation, the product obtained was 88% for the lower particle size (<0.3 mm) and 62% for particles sizes >1.18 mm.

Highlights

It is difficult to imagine life today without technology, especially in the pandemic scenario, in which online meetings, classes, and appointments have become routine
The current digital context generates an extensive number of electronic products and, due to the advancement of technology, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) becomes obsolete faster and, their disposal increases
Several studies have been performed on printed circuit boards, and part of these studies involved the characterization of the boards

Summary

Introduction

It is difficult to imagine life today without technology, especially in the pandemic scenario, in which online meetings, classes, and appointments have become routine. Technology has taken up space, incorporating indispensably into everyday life very quickly and intensely. The current digital context generates an extensive number of electronic products and, due to the advancement of technology, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) becomes obsolete faster and, their disposal increases. Viewing them from the perspective of an exploitation potential for use can promote urban mining [1]. In contrast to traditional mining, consists of the process of obtaining raw materials derived from waste, being recycled and reused by the industry. The materials obtained from the recycling of the devices are called secondary raw materials [2]

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