(Photo courtesy of Alex Parrish for Virginia Tech)
A new type of self-healing and reconfigurable printed circuit board can withstand serious damage and continue to function effectively, researchers claim. It can also be completely recycled at the end of its useful life.
The new breakthrough involves a material called vitrimer, a unique polymer that remains rigid and strong at normal temperatures but becomes flexible and moldable at elevated temperatures. The scientists presented their findings in a recent study published June 1 in the journal Advanced Materials.
Traditional PCBs are typically made from thermosetting materials such as silicone or epoxy resins, which become rigid and hard after a curing process using heat. In contrast, Vitrimer can be modified by repeatedly applying heat, allowing PCBs to be adapted to entirely new shapes.
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Sourse: www.livescience.com
