How to make a degradable PCB substrate

According to Tom’s Hardware, Australian company Myceliotronics is trying to solve the problem of electronic waste through a creative biomaterial approach that replaces the usual layered components in PCBs with fungal mycelium materials. It is reported that the material of Ganoderma lucidum (a kind of mushroom) has been shown to have similar qualities to PCBs (such as heat resistance, flexibility and insulation), while being easier to decompose and recycle due to its biological origin.

Generally speaking, PCB substrates use rare minerals (such as copper and gold), epoxy resins and other chemical elements, which are very difficult to recycle and often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Dr. Martin Kaltenbrunner of Johannes Kepler University in Germany said: “Electronic devices are irreversibly integrated into our lives, however, their limited lifespan and often inappropriate disposal require sustainable concepts to achieve a green electronic future. Research must shift its focus to replacing non-degradable and difficult-to-recycle materials, making electronic devices biodegradable or easily recyclable.” IT Home learned that according to the researchers, mycelium in the genus Ganoderma is such a material that is thin and flexible while maintaining strong structural integrity. It can withstand about 2,000 repeated bends, insulate current, and can withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius, even higher than top-level PCB components (usually rated at 150 degrees Celsius). In addition, it is interesting that mycelium increases its heat resistance with aging.

In addition, PCB substrates made of mycelium materials can be biodegraded using water or ultraviolet irradiation, which seems to be more suitable for PCBs for electronic devices, because traditional PCBs generally do not encounter water and direct irradiation. If it does not come into contact with these two things, a PCB substrate made of mycelium material can be used for hundreds of years.