Based on experiment and quantum chemical calculations: a study of the co-pyrolysis mechanism of polyesterimide enameled wires with polyvinyl chloride and the catalytic effect of endogenous metal Cu

Pyrolysis technology is a green and efficient method for recycling enameled wires. However, since waste enameled wires are typically recovered from electronic waste, they often contain small amounts of wires and cables. Therefore, during the pyrolysis process of waste enameled wires, it is inevitable for the paint film and the cable sheath to undergo co-pyrolysis. Polyesterimide enameled wires (EPEsI) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were chosen as represent enameled wires and cable sheath materials, respectively. Using thermogravimetric analysis with various pyrolysis kinetic analysis methods, the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of EPEsI and Mixture (mixture of EPEsI and PVC) were studied. Through synergy analysis and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, the influence of PVC on the pyrolysis of EPEsI was elucidated from aspects such as pyrolysis characteristics and product distribution. Based on density functional theory calculations and wave function analysis, the role of endogenous metal Cu in EPEsI on the pyrolysis processes of PEsI and PVC, as well as the mechanism of HCl from PVC on the pyrolysis of PEsI, were clarified. • Co-pyrolysis characteristics and products of PEsI with PVC were investigated. • Effect and mechanism of Cu on the pyrolysis of PEsI and PVC were explored. • Pyrolysis mechanism of PEsI was investigated based on DFT calculation. • Effect of PVC pyrolysis product HCl on PEsI pyrolysis was studied.