Thermal decomposition of electronic wastes: mobile phone case and other parts

Waste Manag. 2011 Dec;31(12):2546-52. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.07.028. Epub 2011 Aug 31.

Abstract

Pyrolysis and combustion runs at 850°C in a horizontal laboratory furnace were carried out on different parts of a mobile phone (printed circuit board, mobile case and a mixture of both materials). The analyses of the carbon oxides, light hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like PCBs are shown. Regarding semivolatile compounds, phenol, styrene, and its derivatives had the highest yields. In nearly all the runs the same PAHs were identified, naphthalene being the most common component obtained. Combustion of the printed circuit board produced the highest emission factor of PCDD/Fs, possibly due to the high copper content.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzofurans / analysis
  • Cell Phone*
  • Dioxins / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Incineration / methods*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / analysis
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis*
  • Waste Products / analysis*

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Dioxins
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • Waste Products
  • dibenzofuran
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls