Mechanochemical activation for lead extraction from spent cathode ray tube

In this study, a mechanochemical activation technique to effectually extract lead from the funnel glass of cathode ray tube (CRT) is proposed. A planetary ball mill with zirconia balls (25:1 ratio) is employed for mechanochemical activation process in the presence of EDTA. About 85% of lead could be leached in 5 M NaOH solution at 80 °C. The effects of time and temperature on lead extraction were explored and a kinetic model was established to depict the kinetic relationship. The leaching process was contingent upon the mixed kinetic model and the calculated activation energy value was 39.44 kJ/mol. The proposed mechanism displayed that the chemical breakage in the glass inner structures increased the leachability of the activated lead glass. The mechanochemical activation with EDTA can be considered as an economic process for lead extraction from the CRT funnel glass.