Researchers from the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) in Brazil have developed an antistatic and sustainable packaging, made from sugarcane bagasse and carbon black.
This material promises to increase safety and minimize damage caused by electrostatic discharges in sensitive devices such as chips, semiconductors, phones, and computers.
Substitution of plastic and reduction of environmental impact
The product, called conductive cryogel, not only protects electronic components but also reduces the use of plastics, which are highly polluting.
“Our goal is to offer a sustainable alternative for the electronic packaging industry, replacing plastic materials with less polluting and high-performance options,” explained Juliana Bernardes, the study coordinator, to the Agência Brasil portal.
Research details and scope
The study, published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems, was funded by the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo.
Among the researchers are:
- Juliana Bernardes.
- Gabriele Polezi and Elisa Ferreira.
- Diego Nascimento, from the National Nanotechnology Laboratory of CNPEM.
The product already has a registered patent, and CNPEM is seeking partnerships with companies for its industrial-scale production.
Properties and applications of the conductive cryogel
The new packaging offers competitive and ecological advantages:
- Light and porous structure, with high mechanical resistance.
- It hinders fire propagation, improving safety.
- Adjustable conduction capacity, depending on the concentration of carbon black:
-
- 1% to 5%: dissipates electrostatic charges slowly.
- More than 10%: becomes an efficient conductor.
This adjustment allows its use in advanced applications, ideal for the protection of highly sensitive equipment.
Environmental impact and future of innovation
Production costs have not yet been defined, but the conductive cryogel offers a sustainable and versatile model for the technology industry.
This advancement positions CNPEM in the forefront of ecological and technological solutions, opening opportunities for investment and industrial development.
