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Alternative Materials for Printed Circuit Board Production: An Environmental Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Naji Nassajfar

    (Department of Sustainability Science, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland)

  • Ivan Deviatkin

    (Department of Sustainability Science, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland)

  • Ville Leminen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland)

  • Mika Horttanainen

    (Department of Sustainability Science, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland)

Abstract

This article investigates the potential environmental impacts of four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) production from cradle to grave. The study starts with a lifecycle assessment of conventional PCB production. Then, the alternative materials of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA)/glass fiber composite and paper are investigated for the substrate. A conventional PCB adopts copper as the conductive material and requires an etching process. The environmental impacts of changing the conductive deposition method to an additive method by printing silver nanoparticles is studied. In a conventional PCB, electricity generation contributes 41% of the global warming potential (GWP) and 38% of the abiotic resource depletion (ADP), in the fossil category. By applying an additive manufacturing method, the GWP of PCB manufacturing can be reduced to 14% of that of the conventional method. A sensitivity analysis of silver recycling illustrates that a 40% higher silver recycling rate would decrease the GWP of silver material by about 48–60%. Uncertainty in the energy consumption of PCB production would alter the environmental impacts; however, even with the most conservative energy consumption in a conventional PCB production method, the environmental impacts of the additive method are about five times lower than those of conventional PCB production.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Naji Nassajfar & Ivan Deviatkin & Ville Leminen & Mika Horttanainen, 2021. "Alternative Materials for Printed Circuit Board Production: An Environmental Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12126-:d:671092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laura L. Kosbar & Jeffrey D. Gelorme & Robert M. Japp & William T. Fotorny, 2000. "Introducing Biobased Materials into the Electronics Industry," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 4(3), pages 93-105, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salvatore Martelli & Francesco Mocera & Aurelio Somà, 2023. "Carbon Footprint of an Orchard Tractor through a Life-Cycle Assessment Approach," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-22, June.
    2. Ivan Deviatkin & Sanna Rousu & Malahat Ghoreishi & Mohammad Naji Nassajfar & Mika Horttanainen & Ville Leminen, 2022. "Implementation of Circular Economy Strategies within the Electronics Sector: Insights from Finnish Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-11, March.
    3. Salma Taqi Ghulam & Hatem Abushammala, 2023. "Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Electronic Waste and Its Impact on Human Health and Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-22, January.
    4. Ricard Garrido & Luisa F. Cabeza & Víctor Falguera & Omar Pérez Navarro, 2022. "Potential Use of Cow Manure for Poly(Lactic Acid) Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-28, December.

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