An improved process for the pyrolysis of depopulated printed circuit boards (PCBs) of e-waste

A novel process for the pyrolysis of electronic waste has been invented. The process consists of heating the electronic waste in a flowing stream of inert gas such as argon, nitrogen etc. at a low temperature of about 275 C for a period of 4 minutes. Complete pyrolysis of the waste is achieved during this period at the temperature used. Under similar conditions, a temperature of 360 C is required for the pyrolysis of the waste in air. If the waste is heated in air for 4 minutes at 316 C, only 2-6% of mass loss is observed in the waste.