Abstract: The differences in the pyrolysis behavior of EVA under an Ar inert atmosphere and an air atmosphere were systematically compared. Using TG-DSC analysis， the thermal weight loss processes and corresponding thermal effects of EVA in the two atmospheres were revealed： in air atmosphere， the pyrolysis reaction of EVA proceeded at a faster rate and released a substantial amount of heat， whereas in an inert atmosphere， the reaction rate was relatively slower， and the process overall exhibited endothermic characteristics. Furthermore， comparing the contamination on the silicon wafer surfaces after pyrolysis， EDX testing indicated that the residual carbon content on the silicon wafer surface in an inert atmosphere was as high as 8.71%， while in air atmosphere it was only 4.91%. The results might provide a technical reference for the selection of pyrolysis atmospheres in the recycling process of waste photovoltaic modules.