Biodegradable PCB Substrate Using Cellulose Alkanoate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The recycling of printed circuit boards (PCBs) poses environmental challenges due to non-biodegradable materials and toxic components, and existing biodegradable alternatives lack the necessary thermal stability, mechanical strength, and flame retardance for effective replacement of traditional glass epoxy PCBs.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable composite material comprising 50-80% cellulose alkanoate, 0.1-10% aliphatic-aromatic copolyester or aliphatic polyester, 10-30% plasticizer, 10-20% flame-retardant component, and optional inorganic filler, combined with fibrous reinforcement, processed through admixing and compression molding to form a suitable substrate for PCBs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional glass epoxy PCBs are used, then mechanical strength and thermal stability are achieved, but environmental pollution and non-biodegradability occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials consisting of biodegradable polymer matrices (cellulose acetate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, or their blends) combined with natural fiber reinforcements (hemp, flax, jute, or sisal). This composite structure provides both mechanical strength and biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If paper-based matrices are used, then biodegradability is improved, but moisture absorption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidmoisture absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the biodegradable polymer matrix by using specific polymers (cellulose acetate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid) and their blends, which have lower moisture absorption characteristics compared to traditional paper-based matrices. The composition ratios and processing conditions are optimized to achieve the desired balance between biodegradability and moisture resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable polymers are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but flame retardance and thermal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidflame retardance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite materials by combining biodegradable polymer matrices with natural fiber reinforcements. The specific combination of polymers (cellulose acetate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid) and natural fibers (hemp, flax, jute, sisal) provides improved flame retardance and thermal stability while maintaining biodegradability and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable polymers are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

5Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable polymers are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but dimensional stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the biodegradable polymer matrix by using specific polymers (cellulose acetate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid) and their blends, which have improved dimensional stability. The composition ratios and processing conditions are optimized to maintain dimensional stability during manufacturing and service while preserving environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250019505A1Biodegradable composite material

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 CTK RES & DEV CANADA LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides biodegradable composite materials comprising: a) a polymeric matrix comprising about 50-80% by weight of a cellulose alkanoate; about 0.1 to 10% by weight of a polyester, wherein the polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, an aliphatic polyester, or a mixture of an aliphatic polyester and thermoplastic starch; about 10 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer; about 10 to 20% by weight of a flame-retardant component; optionally an inorganic filler; and b) a fibrous reinforcement material.