Toward producing commercial electronics on biodegradable PCB substrates

摘要

The paper presents novel research results and progress report towards the production of functional, commercial electronics on biodegradable Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) via presenting the realization of an MP3 player on different eco-friendly substrates. With the production of commercial devices on such base boards, potential e-waste can be reduced. The omission of the traditional epoxy-based FR4 substrates may help in the reduction of harmful materials. Also, with the applied and adapted common PCB fabrication methodology, the prototyping and production steps become cost-effective. The paper details the manufacturing steps and aspects of production. Pilot results of FR4, cellulose-acetate (CA) and novel bioepoxy based circuits are presented, with functional tests. The preliminary results show promising examples of working circuits with proper functionality based on the novel substrates, however different requirements for future improvements are highlighted, to ensure the required reliability and durabilty for commercial use.