Mushroom skin is said to optimize the recycling of batteries and chips
Researchers from Austria have developed a substrate made of fungal skin that is intended to replace plastic in the production of computer chips and batteries. The material also promises a better recycling rate.
The advancing digitization poses an immense problem. Because fall year after year over 50 million tons of e-waste on. This is a circumstance in which the environment is considerably unfortunately. The topic of recycling is therefore becoming increasingly important. More and more companies are realizing this and often recycle their devices in their own material cycle.
One new discovery by researchers from Austria could now significantly reduce the consequences of our consumption of electronic devices. Because many computer components cannot be recycled. This also applies to the substrates that form the basis for computer chips and batteries. The problem with this: They are mostly made of plastic.
Fungal skin substrate could replace plastic in the long term
This plastic, while cheap, cannot be recycled at the end of its life cycle. In order to increase the recycling rate, alternatives are needed that must also have similar insulating properties. And this is where the research results from Austria come into play. Accordingly, our environment could have a solution ready.
Because the skin of certain types of fungus could be suitable as a substrate to replace previous plastic substrates. To do this, the scientists dried the skin of the fungi and developed a flexible material from it. This is as thin as a sheet of paper and can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius.
Mushroom substrate is durable and recyclable
The mushroom substrate apparently offers all the properties that the plastic used up to now has. In contrast, however, it is recyclable and (protected from UV radiation) can easily withstand hundreds of years. After just two weeks in the landfill, it is said to be decomposing.
The material is now being further developed and could one day replace the plastic version that is still common today. Computer chips and batteries could thus become significantly more sustainable in the future. The better recycling rate would in turn benefit the environment.
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