A sustainable solution to the expanding electronic waste problem has been engineered by U.K. startup Jiva Materials. The company has developed a recyclable and biodegradable printed circuit board (PCB) substrate using plant-based fibers, a non-toxic polymer and a halogen-free flame retardant.
The organic fiber-based structure intended to help reduce the carbon footprint of the electronics industry
Source: Jiva Materials dissolves when immersed in hot water. Compostable organic matter is the only remnant of the dissolution process, and 90% of the electronic components can be recovered for reuse or recycling. The remaining water/polymer solution can then be disposed of via conventional wastewater systems.
These PCBs are reported to have an estimated carbon footprint of 7.1 kg/m2 produced, while fiberglass-based boards incur a carbon footprint cost of 17.7 kg/m2. Savings in plastic consumption of 620 gm2 can also be realized.
Infineon is one of the first electronics manufacturers to use the biodegradable material to reduce the carbon footprint of demo and evaluation boards. The company has produced three different demo boards using Soluboard technology and plans to expand its offering over the next few years. Based on the results of ongoing stress tests, Infineon will issue guidance on the reuse and recycling of power semiconductors removed from Soluboards, which could significantly extend the lifetime of the electronic components.
