3D printed circuits with a new technique melt after a long immersion in water, allowing the recovery of materials.
Print the heart of each electronic device in 3D, and dissolve it in water when no longer needs: the dream of every researcher who deal with electronics and the utopia of a circular economy that can finally recycle electronic waste are now a closer step.
Scientists from the University of Maryland have created a soluble electronic technology in water for now that can be used for research purposes, but that tomorrow could inspire new forms of recycling of electronic consumer products. The results of their work were published on ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.
A very unreliable end of life
Printed circuits (Printed Circuit Boards) are the basis on which the fundamental components and the cables of every modern electronic device are welded, which they offer both mechanical support and electrical paths. In practice, the card on which all the components of the electronic circuit that is being made are assembled.
Hundreds of millions of millions are produced in the world, but the recycling of their most precious components, such as silver and copper, is difficult and expensive, and involves the grinding of the entire circuit until they obtain small particles (metal, plastic materials, fiberglass) that place a high risk of environmental contamination.
A water bath to start again
U.S. scientists led by Huishu Peng, assistant professor of computer science, expert in men-macchina interactions and wearable devices, have designed 3D printed electronic circuits that use polyvinyl alcohol support, a soluble polymer in water.
For the threads they injected a liquid metal alloy based on Gallium and Stove in the support, and finally placed some additional electronic components by hand on the card, sealing everything with other polymer glue. The circuit was dried at a temperature of 60 ° C.
The technique was used to produce the electronic heart of a Bluetooth case, an anti -stress electronic game and a three -finger electric pliers. A splash of accidental water had no effect on the circuits, but 36 hours in water at room temperature (22 ° C), yes:
The components have dissolved, allowing researchers to recover most of the liquid metal and – once the water evaporated – also of the soluble polymer (The text continues after the video, which shows the stages of the experiment).
Usa prototypes throw
Technology can prove to be very useful for those who, for work, design prototypes of electronic components and could quickly get rid of the models that are no longer needed, recycling the most important parts.
The limited duration of the printable circuits makes it more difficult to now think of a mass production of soluble electronics in water, intended for great consumption. The team is however exploring the feasibility of this second, more complex road.
