Au and Cu recovery from printed boards by decomposition of epoxy resin in supercritical water

- Au and Cu were recovered from a printed board using supercritical water (SCW).
- Effect of SCW without/with oxidant on components of the printed board was compared.
- Without oxidant, organics were removed by hydrolysis/inhibition of char-formation.
- With oxidant, organics were completely removed and Cu oxides were formed.
- Coexisting Cu compounds acted as an oxidative catalyst.