A Novel Process for Detoxification of BERs in Waste PCBs

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) contain high amount of brominated flame retardants that may bring a series of environmental and health problems. In the present study, an effective and environmental-friendly process using sub- and supercritical water (sub/SCW) to simultaneously degrade brominated epoxy resin and recover metals from WPCBs was developed. The results showed that brominated epoxy resins (BERs) can be quickly decomposed under SCW condition. Most of the bromine was changed into HBr and enriched in water. Meanwhile, bromine-free oil was obtained of which the main compositions were phenol and 4-(1-methylethyl)-phenol. This study provides an efficient and green approach for WPCBs recycling.