• What is the problem/issue being addressed?
The unprecedented use of electronic devices with advanced technology increases its global footprint exponentially. Due to the high demand and low shelf life, these devices are eventually transformed into electronic waste because the electronic industry uses many unavoidable non-degradable materials. The waste due to electronic components is increasing day by day and only 20% is properly recycled globally, while the remaining becomes a threat to the ecosystem. It contaminates the flora and fauna, making the global life challenging both for human as well as other living organisms. The electronic waste specifically due to microwave devices is also significant and should be well addressed, since a normal mobile phone itself contains a minimum of two antennas. The usage of Antennas, Sensors and RFID`s are unavoidable but can be reduced by using biodegradable substrates for their fabrication, which is mainly addressed in this project. The usage of biomaterials for microwave application will reduce the electronic waste due to portable gadgets, sensors, Telemetry devices, Wireless equipment, and any device that uses RF circuits and antennas, thereby protecting the environment. This projects aims to lay a platform for the Principal Investigator in developing biodegradable microwave devices and there by continuing his future research activities in this promising research area for the benefit of environment.
• Why is it important for society?
There is a long-term serious health hazard due to electronic waste, and the environment was deeply deteriorated with its negative impact. This contrived human activity on environment is severely degrading the quality and healthy life on this planet. Understanding the depth of this issue the European parliament on 2021 adopted a new circular economy action plan, which aims to achieve a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable and toxic free fully circular economy by 2050. The strategy used is to replace, reduce and reuse. The replacement of non-degradable materials with biodegradable material in electronic devices is beneficial to the nature even though it’s challenging. This project will support to achieve this goal by replacing the non-biodegradable components of electronic devices. Therefore, the findings of the projects are highly beneficial and unswervingly useful to the society.
• What are the overall objectives?
The overall objective is to identify suitable biomaterials, characterizing their dielectric properties at microwave frequency and using them for the design of devices. A compact material characterization device is developed and is used for the material characterization of various biomaterials to check their suitability as substrate for devices. Further, the aim is to design microwave antennas, filters and radio frequency identifiers (RFID) on these materials as biodegradable devices for potential applications. Also, the Individual fellowship aims to foster the professional career of Marie curie fellow.
