Hemp fibers to replace polluting materials in electronics?

British researchers are working to promote the use of hemp and other natural fibers to replace polluting materials in conventional printed circuit boards, we learn Hemp Today.

Experts from Jiva Materials, based in Waterlooville, and the University of Portsmouth recently received a grant from the United Kingdom to continue developing and commercializing the concept, which has also been studied in Germany and Sweden.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs), used in everything from pacemakers to rockets, are the ubiquitous, hidden “brains” of modern technology. For more than 70 years, the rigid laminates needed to manufacture printed circuit boards have been produced using highly polluting epoxy-coated glass fibers.

At the end of their life cycle, less than 50% of the electronic waste from these cards is recyclable, and the gold, silver, and platinum content is generally too low to be recovered.

The Problem of Electronic Waste

«Electronic products represent a growing waste problem worldwide,» said Mr. Jiva in a press release announcing the partnership with the university’s Advanced Polymers and Composites (APC) research group.

«On average, each person in the world generates 7.5 kg of electronic waste per year. It is estimated that PCBs account for 8 % of all electronic waste.».

The alternative developed by Jiva and researchers at the APC consists of impregnate hemp fibers a water-soluble, halogen-free flame retardant, which makes it easier to recover electronic components containing precious materials when PCBs are disposed of.

Rigid PCB laminates made from natural fibers and fully recyclable may have a carbon footprint 60 % lower than that of glass-fiber and epoxy-based technologies, and can reduce the amount of critical minerals ending up in UK landfills each year by 8 billion pounds (10 billion euros), Jiva said.

Fully compatible

According to the researchers, bio-based laminates can be fully compatible with existing processes such as acid/alkali etching, electroplating, drilling, routing, and curing required for PCB production.

Jiva has already produced a water-soluble PCB from a flax-based composite that breaks down when immersed in hot water for an extended period. The grant will enable the research team to continue its study of flax and begin exploring the potential of hemp- and jute-based composites.

The APC research group at the University of Portsmouth is part of the School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, which focuses on applied research in the field of sustainable composite materials and manufacturing through partnerships with industry.

Other uses for hemp fibers could include Replace the faux leather in cars or the graphene in automotive batteries.