Biodegradable Substrates For Sustainable Aerosol-Jet Additively Printed Electronics

Flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) have gained popularity due to their speed and soft tooling, and their applications in various sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and transportation. Historically, printed circuits used volatile organic solvent-based inks, which have been criticized for their environmental impact. However, water-based inks have emerged as a promising alternative, offering a significantly reduced environmental footprint. This study aims to explore the application of biodegradable PET substrates in the aerosol jet printing process, which is known for fabricating 3D and 2D surfaces on micron scales. Key components were attached to the circuits using electrically conductive adhesives. The evaluation included a detailed analysis of component performance, mechanical stability, and electrical performance. The study also examined the electrical properties of the circuits, focusing on resistance values across varying sintering temperatures and durations. Preliminary findings suggest that modifying these parameters can enhance electrical properties, with optical methods used to characterize printed trace outcomes. This paper presents a pioneering foray into the utilization of biodegradable PET substrates in sustainable electronics manufacturing, offering insights into potential enhancements in environmental sustainability without compromising on functional efficacy.