Kurnool: A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design & Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool, have patented a method to produce biodegradable printed circuit boards (PCBs). A key member of the research team, Dola Sandeep, said this innovative research addresses the adverse environmental impact caused by non-biodegradable boards, widely prevalent in the market.
The research team includes Sandeep, a research student, Dr. Eswaramurthy K.V., Dr. C. Chandrasekhara Sastry and Dr. Ragala Jhansi.
With a global surge in e-waste production, the issue has become increasingly concerning. Traditional printed circuit boards contribute significantly to e-waste, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of the total e-waste. The conventional composition of these boards, involving synthetic glass fibers and resin, has negative environmental consequences, Sandeep explained.
He elaborated on the research’s objective, which is to counter the environmental repercussions of non-biodegradable boards. The newly developed boards employ eco-friendly, natural fibers such as sisal and flax, replacing synthetic alternatives. These fibers are bonded with biodegradable polymer resins to ensure structural integrity. The boards are positioned to replace conventional FR-1 PCB boards, commonly used in educational projects. These novel PCBs, designed for low-power circuits, are poised to serve a wide array of educational initiatives, he said.
IIITDM-Kurnool Prof. D.V.L.N. Somayajulu, registrar K. Gurumurthy and other faculty members congratulated the research team.
