Revolutionary Flexible Substrate Fights E-Waste with Dissolving Technology

Researchers in the United States have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against electronic waste by creating a degradable flexible substrate. This innovative material, developed through a collaboration between MIT, the University of Utah, and Meta, not only addresses the growing issue of electronic waste but also allows for the production of more complex multilayered circuits.

According to Wallin, an assistant professor at MIT, the global electronic waste crisis is escalating as more devices are being manufactured for the internet of things. While previous research has focused on various polymer materials, the team behind this new substrate material took a different approach by considering the commercial aspects of material selection. Polyimide, a key component in electronic devices, is projected to become a $4 billion market by 2030.

Another similar technology, Soluboard from Jiva materials in the UK, offers a rigid PCB solution that can be dissolved. However, its inability to be melted or dissolved poses challenges for reprocessing and manufacturing advanced circuit architectures. In contrast, the newly developed material, a light-cured polymer akin to those used in dentistry, can be hardened quickly at room temperature, making it ideal for creating multilayered circuits.

The unique feature of the new material lies in its ability to be dissolved rapidly using an alcohol and catalyst solution, allowing for the recovery and reuse of precious metals and microchips from the circuits. This sustainable approach not only helps mitigate electronic waste but also addresses the current supply chain shortages in the electronics industry.

The team's efforts have culminated in the creation of a paper titled "Photopatternable, degradable, and performant polyimide network substrates for e-waste mitigation," showcasing the potential impact of their work on the environment and economy. With a company already in place to commercialize the technology, the future looks promising for a more sustainable approach to electronic device manufacturing.