Exploring the comminution process of waste printed circuit boards in recycling: a review

The increasing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) has placed significant burdens on society and the environment, particularly with regards to waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), which are essential in electronics manufacturing. As natural resources become scarce, it is crucial to effectively recycle and reclaim WPCBs due to their high value and large output. Comminuting printed circuit boards is a crucial step in enabling the recovery of valuable materials, and this review provides an in-depth analysis of WPCB comminution. It explores the structure, types, and composition of the WPCBs, including their mechanical properties. The review thoroughly surveys conventional mechanical comminution machinery and also discusses emerging technologies such as innovative pretreatment approaches, electrodynamic disintegration, high voltage electrical pulses, and abrasive waterjet cutting. The literature has been critically examined to identify research gaps and inconsistencies, and future directions for increased efficiency and sustainability are proposed.