Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine - Scientists Turn PCBs into Oil?

How to Run a Design of Experiments
A review of the six fundamental steps behind scientific process development.
READ MORE...
American Standard Circuits’ Push for UHDI is On
After new technology investments, the flagship operation of the Chicago-based fab is primed for growth.
READ MORE...
Collaborating Across the Industry
The High Density Packaging User Group drives innovation through active partnerships.
READ MORE...
Semi-Flexible PCBs: Flexibility without the Polyimide Price Tag
Why a relatively unknown technology might be right for static bend applications.
READ MORE...
Embedded Sensors in Flex Circuits
From glob top to lamination, solutions for sealing parts in flex.
READ MORE...

Printed Circuit Design & Fab Magazine

ROMANIA and TURKEY - Scientists claim to have found a method to turn PCBs into material suitable as fuel, or for industrial use.

In a recently released report called Feedstock Recycling from the Printed Circuit Boards of Used Computers, the process reportedly reduces the remains of a printed circuit board to a material called pyrolysis oil, which can be further refined like petroleum for fuel, or can be used by industries to make other chemicals.

While the researchers noted that the waste equipment was difficult to recycle because of additives, heavy metals, and toxic flame retardants contained in PCBs, in their report, the scientists describe the steps used to eliminate or remove almost all of the hazardous compounds from the material.

The process reportedly uses high temperatures, catalysts, and chemical filtration to remove the toxic elements, with the end result being an oil that can be safely used as fuel or raw materials for a number of consumer products.

DECEMBER ISSUE

View the Digital
Edition Here!

Scientists Turn PCBs into Oil?

POPULAR

Press Releases