Preparation of porous carbons from non-metallic fractions of waste printed circuit boards by chemical and physical activation

Non-metallic fractions of FR-3 type waste printed circuit boards were pyrolyzed at high temperatures. The resultant char at 600 degrees C was used to prepare activated carbons by physical and chemical activation. The influence of pyrolysis temperature on char yields, and activation conditions on the bum-off and porous properties of the activated carbons were investigated. Results show that char yields decrease with pyrolysis temperature. A granular activated carbon with a surface area of 1 019 m(2).g(-1) and a pore volume of 1.1 cm(3).g(-1) can be obtained by moulding, pyrolysis and physical activation using H2 0 as an activation agent. An activated carbon powder with a surface area of 3 112 m(2).g(-1) and a pore volume of 1.13 cm(3).g(-1) can be achieved by KOH activation. Keywords: Non-metallic fractions; Waste printed circuit boards; Activated carbon