Researchers at the National Center for Energy and Materials Research (CNPEM) have developed a new anti-static and sustainable packaging, made from sugarcane bagasse and black tobacco,
Material produced by incomplete combustion of plant matter, such as coal and coal tar, or oil products.
The material promises to increase safety and reduce electrostatic discharge damage to sensitive electronic devices such as chips, semiconductors and other electronic components. With high value, these items are present on computers, cell phones, TVs and even cars.
Called conductive cryogel, the product, besides ensuring safety, does not compromise the environment. The idea is what conductive cryogel replaces the highly polluting plastic product.
“Our goal is to offer a sustainable alternative to the sensitive electronic product packaging industry, replacing plastic materials with less polluting and high performance options,” explains study coordinator Juliana Bernardes.
The CNPEM survey that resulted in the product, published in Advanced Sustainable Systems, was funded by FAPESP (São Paulo State Research Support Foundation). In addition to Juliana, the study is signed by researchers Gabriele Polezi, Elisa Ferreira, and researcher Diego Nascimento, all from the National Nanotechnology Laboratory of CNPEM.
The product has no similar in the market and has already been deposited. CNPEM will seek, through innovation advice, partnerships with companies willing to invest in industrial scale production.
According to the researcher, the material has light and porous structure, with high mechanical resistance and properties that make it difficult to spread flames
“Its ability to conduct electricity can be adjusted as needed: At low smoke black concentrations (1%to 5%), it dissipates electrostatic loads slowly; at higher concentrations (over 10%), it becomes an efficient conductor and can be used in more advanced applications to protect highly sensitive electronic equipment.”
According to the researchers, production costs have not yet been priced, but conductive cryogel brings a number of environmental and competitive advantages, such as greater fire resistance, versatility and the use of abundant raw materials.
“Cellulose, for example, can be obtained from sugarcane bagasse and other agroindustrial waste such as corn straw and eucalyptus chips. Smoking black is used to produce tires and ancient industry and Egyptians already used black powder for murals and printing paintings.”