Infineon Technologies AG, a German semiconductor maker, has announced the production of a water-soluble printed circuit board (PCB). Sourced from UK startup Jiva Materials, the Soluboard, which is made from plant-based materials, could offer a new solution for reducing e-waste in the tech industry as companies strive to meet climate goals by 2030.
Jiva’s biodegradable PCB is composed of natural fibers and a halogen-free polymer, resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional boards made with fiberglass composites. In a 2022 study conducted by the University of Washington College of Engineering and Microsoft Research, researchers used a Soluboard PCB as the core of an environmentally friendly mouse. They discovered that the Soluboard dissolved in hot water in less than six minutes, although it takes several hours to break down at room temperature.
In addition to dissolving the PCB fibers, the process also facilitates the retrieval of valuable metals attached to it. “After [it dissolves], we’re left with the chips…
2023-07-31 15:18:45
Original from www.engadget.com rnrn