Empa, Switzerland
This demo represents a groundbreaking step toward creating environmentally friendly electronics.
It shows how we can replace traditional printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are hard to recycle and harmful to the environment, with biodegradable alternatives made from natural materials like wood fibers.
Imagine the circuit boards inside your electronic devices like your phone or computer—those green boards with lines and chips on them. Right now, they are made from materials that don’t break down in nature and add to electronic waste. Our demo shows a new kind of circuit board made from plant-based materials, which can break down naturally after use. This means less waste and a healthier planet while still making electronics that work just as well.
Functionality
Our demo features an eco-friendly computer mouse built with a focus on sustainability, using a lignin-rich cellulose nanofibril (l-CNF) substrate and a biodegradable housing. This innovative design showcases how electronics can reduce their environmental impact without compromising functionality.
1. Sustainable PCB Substrate:
At the core of the eco-mouse is a printed circuit board (PCB) made from l-CNF, a biodegradable material derived from wood fibers. This substrate serves as the mechanical and electronic backbone, replacing traditional non-biodegradable PCB materials. It offers excellent mechanical strength and stability, enabling the integration of electronic components.
2. Biodegradable Mouse Housing:
The housing of the mouse is 3D-printed using a PLA-wood composite filament. This material is not only biodegradable but also complements the eco-friendly nature of the PCB, resulting in a product that is 70% made of biodegradable materials.
3. Electronic Functionality:
The l-CNF substrate is fully compatible with standard electronic manufacturing processes, such as screen printing for circuitry and mounting of components like sensors and microcontrollers. The mouse functions just like any conventional device, proving that eco-friendly materials can meet the demands of modern electronics.
4. End-of-Life Impact:
Both the l-CNF PCB and PLA-wood housing biodegrade in natural environments, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the device compared to traditional electronics.
This demo highlights the feasibility of combining innovative biodegradable materials, such as l-CNF and PLA-wood, to create functional, sustainable electronic devices. It serves as a proof of concept, paving the way for broader adoption of green materials in consumer electronics and reducing electronic waste.
Benefits of the project
Our demonstrator aims to reduce e-waste and carbon emissions by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional electronic components. By using biodegradable l-CNF for the PCB substrate and PLA-wood filament for the housing, the device is 70% made of biodegradable materials, which significantly lowers its carbon footprint.
Problem Addressed:
Traditional PCBs and plastic housings contribute to e-waste and have high CO2 emissions during production. Our project addresses both issues by replacing non-biodegradable materials with sustainable alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact and promoting CO2 net-zero emissions.
Advantages of the Demonstrator:
- Sustainability: 70% biodegradable, made with l-CNF and PLA-wood filament, reducing environmental impact.
- CO2 Footprint Reduction: The use of biodegradable materials significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to conventional electronics.
- Real-world Applicability: A functional mouse demonstrates that sustainable materials meet the performance and durability requirements of modern electronics.
- E-Waste and CO2 Reduction: By using biodegradable materials, we help minimize both plastic waste and CO2 emissions, contributing to a circular economy and net-zero emissions.
Target Industry
- Consumer Electronics
Organic & Printed Components
- biodegradable PCB substrate
Classical Componenets
- Lens
- Pins
- Capacitors
- Cable receptacle
- Switches and Sensors
- Surface Mounted Components, like the Microcontroller