From Waste to Wires: PBAT/Lignin Biocomposites Functionalized by a CO₂ Laser for Transient Electronics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Sustainable Electronics

Background:

• Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) is a biodegradable polyester widely used in packaging.
• PBAT's degradability makes it attractive for transient electronic devices, an area yet to be explored.
• Developing sustainable materials for electronics is crucial for reducing environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of PBAT-based composites for transient electronics.
• To modify the electrical properties of PBAT composites using CO2 laser functionalization.
• To investigate the role of fillers in creating conductive pathways within PBAT.

Main Methods:

• Development of PBAT-based composites with lignin and silica-based fillers.
• CO2 laser functionalization to modify material properties.
• Characterization using electrical measurements, optical microscopy, SEM, EDX, and TGA.

Main Results:

• Laser treatment of neat PBAT caused ablation, but fillers enabled conductivity.
• Dealkaline lignin (DEALK) and glass fibers (GFs) offered optimal electrical and mechanical properties.
• Optimized composites achieved low sheet resistance, with values as low as 1.72 Ω/sq.

Conclusions:

• PBAT composites can be functionalized to create conductive tracks for transient electronics.
• The combination of laser treatment and specific fillers (lignin, GFs) is effective in achieving desired electrical properties.
• These findings position PBAT composites as viable materials for sustainable transient electronic applications.