Device Fabrication from Recycled Electronic Spare Parts: Dip Coating Device and High Voltage Power Supply Adapted for Electrospinning Device

Abstract

Considering the rapidly increasing amounts of electronic waste, the task of its recycling and disposal is essential and increasingly important all over the world. Recycled components were used to create lab equipment, namely a high voltage power source, an electrospinning device, and a dip coating device. The high voltage power source was created with the purpose of powering the electrospinning device using electronic waste from microwaves, air conditioners, and cars although it can also be modified to power devices such as X-ray machines or ozone generators. On the other hand, the dip coating device was assembled using spare parts from a discarded printer. The validation of their functioning was demonstrated through the presence of sufficiently high voltages and the synthesis of polymeric nanofibers, which were found to be comparable to those produced in a BIOINICIA FLUIDNATEK LE 10. The production of homogeneous films estimated to be of nanometric proportions validated the functioning of the dip coating device. Such equipment can benefit research in locations with a lack of funds, as it is far more economic than the devices from well-established companies.