Hunt for biodegradable PCB begins

Mutterings within the green movement about recycling in IT are beginning to surface, and the hunt for a biodegradable circuit board is on. Tough new regulations from the EU have captured the attention of the electronics industry and forced investigations into environmentally friendly design and disposal. One promising lead is turning out to be materials who's properties change when immersed in a liquid. The FT uses the example of pasta breaking down after being cooked too long to illustrate the point. All properties of potential new materials must be investigated: strength, stiffness, stability and their dielectric strength. Researchers at TWI (The Welding Institute) have applied to patent a degradable material they have developed. They are looking for more industry interest and ideally, partners to go further with the product. Feeling green? Contact them at acelbro@twi.co.uk or call on 01223 891162. ®