Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Module-5
Management of Computer Metal Components

Corrosion Science & its Mitigation: Corrosion: Introduction, types - chemical

corrosion and electrochemical corrosion (electrochemical theory of corrosion with
rusting of iron), Factors affecting the rate of corrosion: nature of metal, ratio of
anodic to cathodic areas, nature of corrosion product, nature of medium – pH,
conductivity and temperature. Types of corrosion - Differential metal and
differential aeration corrosion (pitting and water line).
Corrosion control: Cathodic protection - sacrificial anode and impressed current
methods, Protective Metal Coatings – Galvanization (Anodic metal coatings).
Vapour corrosion inhibitors and their application in to protect computer circuit
boards, thermal management of CPUs using liquid cooling systems.
Electroless plating: Introduction, principle, Electroless plating of copper for
double sided PCBs.
E-Waste: Sources, hazards and toxicity, Segregation and recycling
(hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy and direct recycling). Extraction of valuable
metals from e-waste (Au).

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Corrosion Science
Introduction
The term corrosion is used to denote a change. A metal changes from its elementary state to the
combined state when it comes in contact with liquid medium. This is actually due to the
chemical interaction between the metal and the environment.
Definition: “The spontaneous deterioration and consequent loss of a metal/alloy due to
chemical/electrochemical attack by the environment”.
Example: When iron metal is exposed to the moist environment, the metal forms a hydrated
ferric oxide called rust which is relatively non-protective (Fe2O3 .xH2O).
Majorly, the corrosion can be classified into
Dry corrosion (Chemical corrosion)
Dry corrosion of metal occurs by direct attack of atmospheric gases such as oxygen, hydrogen,
hydrogen sulfide, halogens, sulphur dioxide etc in the absence of moisture to form metal oxide
layer
For example, 2 Ag + Cl2 2 AgCl
Wet Corrosion (Electrochemical corrosion)
Wet corrosion occurs in presence of an aqueous solution of electrolyte and atmospheric oxygen
by setting up of tiny galvanic cells on the metal surfaces.
Most of the corrosion cases are electrochemical in nature taking place by an electrochemical
attack on the metal in the presence of air and moisture (H2O) called wet corrosion. The
mechanism of the wet corrosion is explained on the basis of electrochemical theory of corrosion.

Electrochemical theory of corrosion:

According to this theory,

1. When a metal is in contact with moist air or when dissimilar metals are contact with each
other in a solution, large numbers of galvanic cells are formed with the existence of anodic
and cathodic area on the metal.
2. In this corrosion, oxidation of the metal and reduction of species present in solution takes
place.
3. The anodic part of the metal undergo oxidation and suffers from corrosion, cathodic part
undergo reduction and protected from corrosion.
4. The electrons are transferred through the metal from anode to cathode.
5. During corrosion the following reactions takes place.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

At anode (oxidation reaction) : M → Mn+ + ne-

The reaction at cathode (reduction reaction) depends on the nature of the environment:
If the medium is acidic,
In the presence of dissolved oxygen : 2H+ + ½O2 + 2e- → H2O
In the absence of dissolved oxygen : 2H+ + 2e- → H2 ­
If the medium is alkaline/neutral,
In the presence of dissolved oxygen : H2O + ½ O2 + 2e- → 2OH-
In the absence of dissolved oxygen : 2H2O + 2e- → 2OH- + H2 ­

Example: Rusting of an Iron in the presence of moist air

Anodic reaction : Fe → Fe2+ + 2e-
Cathodic reaction : H2O + ½ O2 + 2e- →2 OH -
Products of anode & cathode : Fe2+ +2 OH - → Fe(OH)2
In the presence of oxygen : 2 Fe(OH)2+ ½ O2→ Fe2O3.2H2O
(Rust)

Factors affecting the rate of corrosion

Factors Related to Metal (Primary factors)
Nature of the metal
1) Metals with higher electrode potentials do not corrode easily. They are noble metals like,
gold, platinum, silver. Whereas metals with lower electrode potentials, readily undergo
corrosion. e.g. metals like, zinc, magnesium, aluminium. When two metals are in contact
with each other, higher the difference in electrode potentials greater is the corrosion.
For example, the potential difference between iron and copper is 0.78V which is more
than that between iron and tin (0.3V). Therefore, iron corrodes faster when in contact
with copper than that with tin.
2) Position of the metal/alloy in the galvanic series also decides the rate of corrosion.
3) The metal top in the series is more anodic and undergoes corrosion faster than the metal
below it.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Nature of the corrosion product:

1) In a moist atmosphere almost all metals get covered with a thin surface film of metal
oxide as the corrosion product.
2) The corrosion product formed like metal oxide may act as protective film, if it is stable,
insoluble and non-porous. If it acts as protective film and prevents further corrosion by
acting as barrier between metal surface and corrosion medium.
3) On the other hand if corrosion product is unstable, porous and soluble, it further enhances
corrosion.
For example, oxidizing environments, metals like aluminium, chromium, titanium, etc.,
are highly passive as their oxides as corrosion products form protective films on the metal
surface, preventing further corrosion. Metals such as iron, zinc, magnesium etc., do not
form any protective film and are highly susceptible for continuous corrosion, when
exposed to oxidizing environments.
Ratio of anodic to cathodic area:
1) The rate of corrosion (x) is directly proportional to the ratio of area of anode to the area
of cathode. i.e., x = area of anode/ area of cathode
2) Higher the value of x, greater is the rate of corrosion.
3) When anode is small and
cathode is large, all the electrons
liberated at anode and are
consumed at the cathode. This
further intensifies the anodic
reaction leading to increase in
overall rate of corrosion.
For example, in the coating of
Tin on Iron (Tin is cathodic
Iron), if some part on Iron is not
covered, it results in smaller
anodic area and larger cathodic
area. In this case more intense
corrosion is observed at smaller
anodic area.

Factors Related to Environment (secondary factors)

pH of the medium:
1) The rate of corrosion increases with decrease in pH of the medium.
2) Acidic media are generally more corrosive than alkaline/neutral media. This is due to
evolution of hydrogen at cathode.
3) When the pH < 4, the rate of corrosion increases due to higher concentration of H+ ions.
When pH > 10, the rate of corrosion decreases due to formation of insoluble metal
hydroxides on the surface of metal.
Conductivity:

1) The rate of corrosion increases with increase in the conductance of the medium.
2) As the conductance of the medium increases, ions can move easily trough the medium.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

3) This decreases the polarization potential and due to this rate of corrosion increases.
For example metal immersed in sea water (more conducting) is more conduction than
metal immersed in river water (less conducting).
Temperature:
1) Generally rate of corrosion increases with increase in temperature.
2) As the temperature increases conductance of the ions in the medium increases which
reduces the polarization. Therefore the rate of corrosion increases.
3) A passive metal become active at high temperature and increases the rate of corrosion.

Types of corrosion: Corrosion can be classified into 2 types as follows

1) Differential Metal Corrosion (Galvanic corrosion)
2) Differential Aeration Corrosion (Pitting and Waterline)
Differential Metal Corrosion (Galvanic Corrosion)
1) When two dissimilar metals are in direct contact with one another and exposed to a corrosive
medium, the metal with lower electrode potential becomes anode and suffers from corrosion,
whereas the metal with higher electrode potential becomes cathode and protected from
corrosion. This type of corrosion is known as differential metal corrosion or galvanic
corrosion.
2) The rate of corrosion depends mainly on the difference in the position of the two metals in
galvanic series.
3) Potential difference between two different metals is the driving force. Higher the difference,
faster is the rate of corrosion.

Example: Electrode potential of iron (-0.44 V) is less than that of copper (0.34 V). Therefore when iron is in
contact with copper, iron becomes anodic and undergoes corrosion, whereas copper becomes cathodic and
protected from the corrosion

At anode
Fe → Fe2+ + 2 e-

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

At cathode, either hydrogen evolution or oxygen absorption takes place

2H+ + 2e- → H2
½ O2 + H2O + 2e- → 2 OH-
Products: Fe2+ + 2OH-- → Fe(OH)2
In an oxidizing environment, the insoluble Fe(OH)2 oxidizes to ferric oxide as following reaction
2 Fe(OH)2 + ½ O2 → Fe 2 O 3 . 2H 2 O (yellow rust)

Common examples: Steel screws in copper sheet

Lead tin solder around copper wire
Buried iron pipeline connected to Zinc bar
Steel pipe connected to copper plumbing

Differential Aeration Corrosion

1) When a metal is exposed to different concentration of air (O2), part of the metal exposed to
lower concentration of O2 becomes anodic and undergoes corrosion.
2) Other part of the metal exposed to higher concentration of O2 becomes cathodic and
protected from the corrosion.
3) The difference in O2 concentration produces a potential difference and causes corrosion. This
type of corrosion is called differential aeration corrosion.

Differential aeration corrosion can be classified into two categories

1. Waterline corrosion
2. Pitting Corrosion

1. Waterline Corrosion
1) This corrosion takes place due to the formation of differential oxygen concentration cells
2) The part of metal exposed to lower concentration of oxygen (dissolved oxygen) acts as anodic
area.
3) The part of the metal above the water level is exposed to higher concentration of oxygen acts as
cathodic area and remains unaffected.
4) A distinct brown line is formed just below the water line due to the deposition of rust.
5) Water line corrosion is observed usually in steel water tanks and ships floating in sea water for a
long time.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Reactions:

2. Pitting Corrosion

1. Pitting corrosion is observed when dust particles get deposited over the metal surface.
2. The portion of the metal covered by dust which is less aerated becomes anodic and suffers
from corrosion.
3. Thus, metal is lost below the surface of dust particle forming a deep and narrow pit.
4. The adjacent area of the metal which is exposed to higher concentration of O2 becomes
cathodic and protected from corrosion.
5. Pitting corrosion is a localized corrosion in which only small areas of the metal surface
are attacked whilst the remainder is largely unaffected.
6. Once a pit is formed corrosion occurs rapidly because of small anodic area(pit) and
large cathodic area

Reactions:

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Corrosion control
• Corrosion is a Natural process
• Corrosion of metal results in huge economic loss
• We cannot completely STOP the corrosion process of metals, but it is possible to minimize
the corrosion effect
Following are three major corrosion control methods
Cathodic Protection:

The principle is to force the metal to be protected to behave as cathode. There are two types of
cathodic protections namely,

1) Sacrificial anodic protection.

2) Impressed current cathodic protection.

Sacrificial anodic protection:

1) The metal to be protected is connected to

a more anodic metal using a metallic
wire.
2) The more active metal gets corroded
while the parent structure is protected
from corrosion.
3) The more active metal so employed is
called sacrificial anode.
4) The sacrificial anodes to be replaced by
fresh ones as and when it is required.
5) Commonly used sacrificial anodes are:
Mg, Zn, Al etc.
Mg block connected to buried oil storage tanks

Example: Fe pipe is protected by connecting it to a block of Mg. In such cases Fe acts as a

cathode and is unaffected or protected from corrosion and Mg acts as anode and undergoes
sacrificial corrosion.
Benefits
• No power source is required
• Simple to install, operate and maintain
• Additions easily installed
Impressed current protection:
1) In this method, electrons are supplied from a source of direct current.
2) Metal structure to be protected acts as cathode and connected to –ve terminal of battery.
3) The inert metal like graphite act as anode and connected to + ve terminal of battery.
4) When DC current is applied in a reverse direction to nullify the corrosion reaction.
5) Since anode is inert metal no reaction takes place at anode therefore the cathodic metal is
protected from corrosion.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Metal coatings:
Covering the metal (substrate or base metal) with a layer of another metal to control the
corrosion of the base metal by the environment is called ‘metal coating’.

Metal coatings can be applied on the base metal by hot dipping process. This method is used for
producing a coating of low melting metals such as Zn, Al, Sn etc, on iron/steel metals which
have relatively high melting point. Example: Galvanizing and Tinning

Galvanization:
• Coating of Zn on Fe is commonly called as galvanization (M.P of Zn is 419 oC).
• It is an anodic metal coating process.
• Zinc coatings are generally obtained by hot dipping of the base metal in a molten zinc bath
• Iron and steel articles are protected from corrosion usually by galvanization due to the low cost
of zinc and easy application.
Procedure
Galvanization is a hot dipping process, contain following steps
1) The iron sheet is subjected to pretreatment by degreasing with organic solvent.
2) Then metal surface is washed with dilute sulphuric acid (Pickling) to remove rust and other
inorganic deposits.
3) Washed with distilled water and dried by supplying hot air.
4) Later, the metal is treated with mixture of aqueous solution of ZnCl2 and NH4Cl which acts as
flux.
5) Then iron sheet is dipped in molten bath of Zn maintained at 450°C and surface is covered
with NH4Cl flux which prevents the oxidation of Zn metal.
6) The excess of coated metal is removed by passing through a pair of hot rollers and cooled
gradually.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Why Flux ? When Fe/Steel to be galvanized passed through the acidic cleaning process to remove iron oxide
from metal surface, the fresh Fe surface become very active and again to form oxide layer immediately upon
exposure to the atmosphere. To prevent the Zinc ammonium chloride flux in aqueous solution is applied to the
steel to reduce any oxides that are formed and/or inhibit them from forming altogether.

Advantages
Since the coating is anodic in nature the exposure of base metal will not cause corrosion.
Disadvantages
Since Zn salts are poisonous food materials cannot be stored in container.

Uses/Applications
To make galvanized articles.
Galvanized Iron objects are used as ROOFING sheets, buckets, wires, pipes.
To manufacture automobile parts, bolts & nuts, nails etc.

Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors in protecting Computer Circuit Boards

Vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) are chemical substances that slowly release a corrosion-
preventative compound into a sealed air space and protect the metal surfaces from corrosion.
• VCIs are often used in situations where it is impractical or undesired to use rust-preventative
liquids or other surface treatments.
• The electronic and electrical industries often use VCIs for circuit protection.
• Conventional corrosion protection methods cannot protect the electronic equipment from
corrosion for longer periods. Hence, VCIs are critical safeguard the electronic and electrical
equipment that are exposed to ambient atmospheric conditions.
• Applying VCIs can quickly, efficiently, and economically minimize corrosion’s impact on
electrical and electronic systems.
• Three types of VCIs namely anodic, cathodic, and mixed (both anodic and cathodic) are in use.
• Anodic inhibitors prevent metal corrosion by anodic passivation. Anodic inhibitors slow the
corrosion process by stopping the metal from further oxidizing and dissolving
Calcium nitrite, sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate, and sodium chromate are some common
anodic inhibitors.
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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

• Cathodic inhibitors create an insoluble compound that forms a protective layer on cathodic
surfaces. This layer reduces the reactivity of the metal with its environment
Amines, imidazoles, Sulfite and bisulfite ions are examples
• Mixed inhibitors adsorbs onto the metal surface, creating a monomolecular layer that
influences the electrochemical activity at both the cathode and the anode. These inhibitors are
more desirable because of their universal effect on the corrosion process.
Silicates and phosphates are commonly used inhibitors.

When present as vapours, certain organic compounds offer inhibition against the corrosion of ferrous
and nonferrous materials.

How VCIs work: Vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) work by releasing compounds into the air to form
a protective layer on metal surfaces. This layer prevents moisture and other corrosive elements from
reacting with the metal, which can cause rust.

Thermal Management in CPUs using Liquid Cooling Systems

Liquid cooling is a thermal management strategy that uses a liquid coolant to transfer heat away from a
CPU and other computer components.
During normal operation, the transistors inside a CPU convert electrical energy into thermal energy
(heat). This heat increases the temperature of the CPU. If an efficient path for that heat doesn’t exist,
then the CPU will exceed its safe operating temperature.”
Hence, CPUs needs to be properly cooled to achieve maximum performance.
There are many ways to cool a processor, but most desktops and laptops use an air- or liquid-based
cooler.
Here's how liquid cooling works:
Coolant: A liquid coolant, usually water or a water-based solution, absorbs heat from the CPU's
baseplate.
Heat sink: The coolant circulates through a heat sink attached to the CPU.
Radiator: The coolant moves to a radiator, where it's exposed to air and cooled.
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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Fans: Fans attached to the radiator move the heat away from the cooler.
Liquid cooling is more efficient than air cooling because water has a higher heat capacity and thermal
conductivity. It can be especially effective for high-performance computer systems and applications
that handle higher densities.

Metal Finishing
Metal finishing covers the wide range of processes carried out in order to modify the surface
properties of a metal. These processes involve deposition of a layer of another metal or a
polymer, conversion of a surface layer of atoms into oxide films which ultimately modify the
surface of the metal.

Definition:
“It is a process of modifying surface properties of metals by the deposition of a layer of another
metal or polymer on its surface or by the formation of an oxide film”.
Technological importance of metal finishing:

The main technological importance of metal finishing includes

[1] Imparting the metal surface to higher corrosion resistance.
[2] Providing electrical and thermal conducting surface.
[3] Imparting thermal resistance and hardness.
[4] In the manufacture of electrical and electronic components such as PCB’s, capacitors
contacts, etc.
[5] To increase the decorativeness of metal surface.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Electroless plating (Auto catalytic redox reaction)

Definition: “The process of depositing a metal over substrate by controlled chemical reduction
of metal ion by a reducing agent without using electric current is called electroless plating”

Metal ions + reducing agent Metal + oxidized product

Electroless Plating of Copper

Advantages of electroless plating process

Electrical power and electrical contacts are eliminated.
Semiconductors and insulators like plastics, glass, quartz, wood, thread can be plated.
Electroless plating baths having better throwing power.
Irregular shapes can be uniformly coated.

Electroless plating of copper: Electroless plating of copper involves the following features.
Pretreatment and activation of the surface: The surface to be plated is first degreased by
using organic solvents followed by acid treatment. Semiconductors and insulators like plastics,
glass quartz, wood thread and other materials need to be catalytically activated activated by first
dipping in SnCl2 solution containing HCl followed by dipping in palladium chloride solution.

Composition of the bath:

Coating solution : CuSO4.5H2O (15g/L)
Reducing Agent : Formaldehyde (8g/L)
Buffer : NaOH (15g/L) + Rochelle salt (14g/L)
Complexing agent : EDTA solution (20g/L)
PH 11
Temperature : 25 °c
Chemical Reactions:
Anodic Reaction : 2HCHO + 4OH- 2 HCOO - + 2H2O + H2 + 2e-
Cathodic Reaction : Cu2+ + 2 e- Cu

Net reaction : Cu2+ + 2HCHO + 4 OH- Cu + 2HCOO- + 2H2O + H2

Note: Buffer is added because; above redox reaction involves the consumption of OH- ions, so
the pH of the solution decreases as the reaction proceeds.
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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Applications:

ü Widely used for metalizing printed circuit boards.

ü For plating on non-conductors.
ü As an undercoat for electroplating.
ü For decorative plating on plastics.

Electroless Copper Plating on double sided PCBs

Double-sided PCB is the most used and preferred type of PCB because it is neither complex like a multilayer
PCB nor simple like a single-layer PCB. It lies in between these two categories and is used in a wide range of
applications.

Double-sided PCBs have two layers, one on each side. The stack-up is quite simple as there are no inner layers.
The components are placed on both sides of the PCB, which is why it is more compact than single-sided PCBs.

e-Waste : Sources, Hazards and Toxicity

INTRODUCTION: e-waste (electronic waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste in the world and
presents both challenges and opportunities.
Globally, around 50 million metric tons of e-waste is generated annually, and this number is expected
to grow to 74 million tons by 2030. It's equivalent to 4,500 Eiffel Towers, which is more than six
kilograms per person.
However, only about 17% of e-waste is recycled globally.
• e-waste is a problem because it contains toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium and mercury. Hence,
Improper disposal of e-waste can release these harmful substances into the atmosphere and
contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater.
• e-waste is also valuable because it contains precious metals like gold, silver, copper, platinum,
palladium, and lithium. The value of the metals in e-waste is estimated to be worth $91 billion,
including $19 billion in copper, $15 billion in gold, and $16 billion in iron.
Definition of e-waste
Electronic waste (e-waste) describe all types of old, end-of-life or discarded electrical and electronic
equipment such as household appliances; office information and communications equipment;
entertainment and consumer electronic equipment.
e-waste management
e-waste management refers to the processes and systems used to collect, transport, treat, and dispose of
electronic waste (e-waste) in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.
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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Sources of electronic waste (e-waste):

The global e-waste problem has grown due to the Digital Revolution and technological
innovations. Asia produces almost half of the world's e-waste, with China being the largest producer.
The main sources of electronic waste (e-waste) include:
• Consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and household appliances.
• Office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines. Medical equipment
such as X-ray machines, monitors, and diagnostic equipment.
• Electronic toys and games.
• Military and government surplus equipment.
• Obsolete technology such as outdated computer equipment and VCRs.
• Discarded or broken electronic devices.
• Colleges often use electronic equipment such as projectors, computer equipment, and audio-
visual equipment in classrooms and laboratories.

Hazards & Toxicity of e-waste

e-waste contains several known neurotoxicants including lead and mercury, which disrupt the
development of central nervous system during pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Some
harmful toxicants from e-waste may also impact the structural development and function of the lungs.
Toxic chemicals: e-waste contains toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, mercury and nickel, as well as
organic compounds like flame retardants, chlorofluorocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), which can cause poisoning if they enter the body.
Neurotoxicants: e-waste contains neurotoxicants that can disrupt the development of the central
nervous system in children, infants, and pregnant people. can cause respiratory problems, such as
asthma, memory loss and bronchitis.
Lung function: Some toxicants in e-waste can impact the structure and function of the lungs.
Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
found in e-waste, can increase the risk of cancer.

E-Waste recycling
The process of e-waste recycling typically involves the following steps:
1. Collection and transportation: E-waste is collected from various sources such as households,
businesses, and recycling facilities. It is then transported to a recycling plant for processing.
2. Sorting and dismantling: E-waste is sorted into different categories based on the type of material
and the manufacturer. The recyclers then dismantle the devices to separate the valuable materials
from the hazardous components.
3. Shredding: The e-waste is shredded into smaller pieces to make it easier to separate the different
materials. The shredded pieces are then sorted into different categories based on the composition.
4. Separation: The valuable materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass, are separated from the
other components through a series of physical and chemical processes. Processing: The separated
materials are processed to remove any impurities and contaminants, and to prepare them for reuse.
For example, metals are smelted to produce pure metal alloys, while plastics are melted and
molded into new products.
5. Disposal of hazardous waste: The hazardous components of e-waste, such as batteries and
LCDs, are properly disposed of to prevent pollution and health hazards.
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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Segregation and recycling (Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy, and Direct recycling)

E-waste recycling and recovery can be achieved through different approaches, including separation
and thermal treatments.
Thermal treatments: E-waste thermal treatment refers to the use of high temperatures to recover
valuable metals and other materials from electronic waste. This process can include incineration or
other pyrometallurgical techniques, and typically involves melting down the waste to separate the
metal components. The separated metals can then be recovered and reused. Thermal treatment can be
an effective method for e-waste recycling.
Hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct recycling are three commonly used methods for the
recovery of metals from e-waste, but they have different processes and environmental impacts:
Hydrometallurgical extraction of E waste:
Hydrometallurgical extraction process is used to extract valuable metals from electronic waste through
chemical reactions in aqueous solutions. In this process strong acids are used to leach base metals
while chemical reagents such as cyanide, halide, thiourea and thiosulfate are used to leach out precious
metals from e-waste.
The process typically involves the following steps:
1. Pre-treatment: This involves the fragmentation and size reduction of electronic waste to
prepare it for further processing.
2. Leaching: The e-waste is treated with chemical reagents in a solution to dissolve the metals
and other materials, creating a leachate.
3. Separation: The leachate is then processed to separate and purify the metals and other
materials, through methods such as precipitation or ion exchange.
4. Recovery: The extracted metals and other materials are then recovered and processed for
reuse.
Hydrometallurgical extraction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to thermal treatments, as
it generates less hazardous waste and can be more easily regulated to minimize environmental impact.

Pyrometallurgical methods of E-waste recycling:

Uses high temperatures to convert components of e-waste into metals, slag, and gases. It's the most
common method for recovering metals from e-waste, but it can generate environmental pollutants like
dioxins and furans.
Smelting: The e-waste is melted in a furnace and then separated into individual metals and other
materials.
Refining: The metals from the smelted e-waste are further processed to remove impurities and
improve their quality.
Incineration: Electronic waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce its volume and recover metals.
Pyrometallurgical methods are effective at recovering valuable metals from e- waste, but they also
generate hazardous by-products and require significant energy inputs. Additionally, these methods can
pose a risk to the environment and human health if not properly regulated and monitored.

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 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Direct recycling of e-waste:

Direct recycling of e-waste refers to the process of recovering valuable materials from electronic waste
without the need for intermediate processing steps. This can include processes such as shredding,
granulating, and sorting, which are used to separate the different components of e-waste, such as
metals, plastics, and glass. The separated materials are then processed to extract the valuable
components and prepare them for reuse.
Advantages of direct recycling:
several advantages over other methods of e-waste recycling, including lower energy inputs, lower
environmental impact, and the potential for higher quality end products.
By combining direct recycling with other methods, such as chemical and pyrometallurgical processing,
it is possible to maximize the recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste and minimize the
environmental impact of e-waste management.

Extraction of valuable metals from e-waste (extraction of AU)

Principle: The principle behind the extraction of gold from e-waste is based on the fact that gold is a
relatively non-reactive metal, which allows it to be recovered from complex electronic waste matrices
through a series of chemical and physical processes.
Experimental procedure:
Collection and segregation of e-waste: The first step involves collecting and segregating the e-waste
into different categories, such as computer motherboards, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
Physical separation: The e-waste is physically separated into different components, such as plastics,
metals, and glass.
Leaching: The metals, including gold, are leached from the e-waste using a suitable reagent, such as
aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid), to dissolve the gold.
Au + HNO3 + 4HCl → HAuCl4 + NO + 2H2O
Precipitation: The dissolved gold is then precipitated out of the solution through the addition of a
suitable reducing agent, such as sodium metabisulfite.
2[HAuCl4] + 3Na2S2O5 + 3H2O → 2Au + 3SO2 + 3Na2SO4 + 8HCl
Purification: The precipitated gold is then purified through processes such as ion exchange,
electrowinning, or distillation, to remove impurities and improve its quality.
Recovery: The purified gold is then recovered for reuse.
Advantages:
High yield expected.
Faster extraction of gold is possible.
Disadvantages:
Chemicals are used.
Acid residues are not disposed of properly, which harms the environment.
Flow chart:
E-waste (computer motherboards, cell phones, etc.) > Physical separation > Leaching (aqua regia) >
Precipitation (sodium metabisulfite) > Purification (ion exchange, electrowinning, distillation) >
Recovery (purified gold)

Dr. A. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, Assistant Professor Page 17

 Department of Chemistry – BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MGMT.

Dr. A. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, Assistant Professor Page 18