IoT sensors made with cellulose
4 Mar 2019 by Evoluted New Media
An eco-friendly sensor made from cellulose could replace the plastics and polymeric materials currently used in electronics.
Simon Fraser University and Swiss researchers care using a wood-derived cellulose material to print the sensors, which could be used in Internet of Things applications.
SFU professor Woo Soo Kim said: “Our eco-friendly 3D printed cellulose sensors can wirelessly transmit data during their life, and then can be disposed without concern of environmental contamination.
“The waste from printed circuit boards is a hazardous source of contamination to the environment. If we are able to change the plastics in PCB to cellulose composite materials, recycling of metal components on the board could be collected in a much easier way.”
The cellulose sensors have been 3D printed at PowerTech Labs in Surry. This technique gives greater functionality to the sensors, due to its ability to add or embed functions onto 3D shapes or textiles.
Kim is also collaborating with researchers in South Korea to develop printable conductive ink materials. Using embossing process technology, this would involve a system that can freely imprint fine circuit patterns on a flexible polymer substrate.
Waste from printed circuit boards is a source of contamination and part of a growing global e-waste issue. According to ITU, the UN’s ICT agency, an estimated 50 million tonnes of e-waste was produced globally in 2018.
In Europe, the UK is the worst at illegally exports the most e-waste to developing countries, according to a recent investigation.
