Biobased materials for sustainable printed circuit boards

Abstract

Electronic waste, with printed circuit boards (PCBs) at its heart, is the fastest-growing category of hazardous solid waste in the world. New materials, in particular biobased materials, show great promise in solving some of the sustainability and toxicity problems associated with PCBs, although several challenges still prevent their practical application.

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“…Furthermore, once used, disposal must lessen environmental impact. As such, biomaterials are key to this endeavour [8]. They offer the best potential in the matrix of needs of sensing properties, biocompatibility, easy disposal, and being readily sourced.…”

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“…The success of PCBs based on FR4 laminates derives from their excellent performance (i.e., dielectric, mechanical, and thermal) and their large-scale availability at a low price. Nevertheless, PCBs were designed in a linear economy context (produce, use, dispose) without considering sustainability and end-of-life aspects …”

“…Such resins are thermosets, i.e., materials that cannot be recycled, and can contain brominated flame retardants, which are dangerous for the human neurological and reproductive systems and were found to be carcinogenic. − Teflon, polyimide, polyester laminates, and ceramics are sometimes used as PCBs in niche application, but also in those cases the recycling is challenging because multiple materials are involved . As a result, only 20% of produced PCBs are recycled through costly and inefficient collection systems . In some cases, PCBs are burned in the landfills, generating debris or ashes that can enter groundwater, causing countless incidents of environmental damage. ,, Considering all the above, the need for sustainable substrates for PCBs, compliant with the principle of green electronics and, thus, that can be safely disposed of or biodegraded at the end of life, is becoming paramount. − …”

“…Nevertheless, PCBs were designed in a linear economy context (produce, use, dispose) without considering sustainability and end-of-life aspects. 1 In 2019, electronic waste (e-waste) production was approximately 7.3 kg per person per year excluding photovoltaic panels, and it is predicted to reach 74 Mt in 2030, being the fastest-growing class of waste. 3−5 Improper handling of this kind of waste, such as through landfilling, can lead to the leaching and chemical spillage of toxic heavy metals such as tin and lead, posing a significant risk of soil and water contamination.…”

“…In 2019, electronic waste ( e -waste) production was approximately 7.3 kg per person per year excluding photovoltaic panels, and it is predicted to reach 74 Mt in 2030, being the fastest-growing class of waste. − Improper handling of this kind of waste, such as through landfilling, can lead to the leaching and chemical spillage of toxic heavy metals such as tin and lead, posing a significant risk of soil and water contamination. , Additionally, direct burning of e -waste results in the emission of toxic furans and dioxins, which have negative implications for both the environment and human well-being. , PCBs waste makes up to 42% of the total e -waste weight, posing a significant environmental concern. , Indeed, most PCBs are made of FR4, a laminate of glass fibers and epoxy resins. Such resins are thermosets, i.e., materials that cannot be recycled, and can contain brominated flame retardants, which are dangerous for the human neurological and reproductive systems and were found to be carcinogenic. − Teflon, polyimide, polyester laminates, and ceramics are sometimes used as PCBs in niche application, but also in those cases the recycling is challenging because multiple materials are involved . As a result, only 20% of produced PCBs are recycled through costly and inefficient collection systems .…”