Page 13 from: Recycling Technology 2024 – Free issue
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Recycling aided by biodegradable
polymers in PCBs
A group of researchers from Kazakhstan reports that use of biode-
gradable polymers in printed circuit boards (PCBs) could advance
e-scrap recycling.
‘The use of biodegradable and easily-recyclable polymers as binders
for PCB manufacturing opens new perspectives for both environmental
protection and resource conservation, and aims to maximise the recovery
of valuable materials like gold and for reuse,’ says project leader Arman
Tirzhanov of the Karaganda Economic University of Kazpotrebsouz. He
estimates that a tonne of used PCBs typically contains 130 kg of copper,
1.38 kg of silver, 0.35 kg of gold and 0.21 kg of palladium. Precious metals
can account for more than 80% of the product’s value.
After conducting tests on a series of PCBs at the university’s laboratory,
tetrahydrofuran appeared to be the most efficient solvent for PCB disposal.
The chemical is not classified as a hazardous solvent, has no known carci-
nogenic effects and is not prohibited within the pharmaceutical industry
for the manufacture of medical devices.
Tetrahydrofuran can be easily distilled from polylactic acid (PLA) and
reused. For sample recycling, the PLA-PCB was placed in a container of
tetrahydrofuran and then into an ultrasonic bath. This method allowed
complete separation of the binder without needing additional manual,
mechanical or thermal processes.
‘The process of the electronic device recycling was completed in 30
minutes,’ Tirzhanov notes.
2024
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Chemicals giant increases stake in
Belgian recycler
Borealis, a global leader in polyolefin solutions and a prominent
European market player in base chemicals, fertilisers and the
mechanical recycling of plastics, has acquired a majority stake in
Belgium-based chemical recycling company Renasci.
Borealis took a 10% stake in Renasci in July 2021 but this has now
been increased to 50.01% – thus ‘signalling on-going confidence in the
potential of Renasci’s patented SCP (Smart Chain Processing) concept
to drive the circular transformation’.
Borealis says the investment is an important component of its strat-
egy to target a six-fold increase in the volume of circular products and
solutions to 600 000 tonnes by 2025, rising to 1.8 million tonnes by
2030. ‘The acquisition will support Borealis to reach these goals by
providing increasing long-term access to chemically-recycled feed-
stock from Renasci’s Ostend facility and through enabling access to
key circular technologies,’ the company states.
The SCP concept enables the processing of multiple waste streams
using different recycling technologies under one roof, resulting
in high valorisation of waste. ‘Through leveraging its market access,
know-how and innovative technological capabilities, Borealis will
accelerate the implementation of the SCP concept and will also ex-
plore opportunities for replicating the model in strategic locations,’
it says.
Funding boosts Fairmat’s carbon fibre
recycling aims
French start-up Fairmat has raised EUR 34 million in funding to
help advance its carbon fibre recycling solutions.
Fairmat is using the investment to accelerate the deployment of its ro-
botised industrial capabilities, including an automated sorting plant. In
addition, the start-up is now better positioned to expand its recycling tech-
nology into new markets: initial plans have included the USA in 2023, with
other projects to be launched shortly afterwards in Spain and Germany,
according to the company.
‘Recycling advanced materials like carbon fibre composite is one of
the strongest actions we can take to accelerate the decarbonisation of the
manufacturing sector,’ says ceo Ben Saada.
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