Project Lignin – a Renewable Resource for Electronic Applications (E-Lignin)

Lignin is a by-product of the cellulose manufacturing process. The aim of this research project is to explore new applications along the manufacturing chain for electronic products based on the renewable resource lignin. To ensure the acceptance of lignin as a material it will be necessary to provide constant quality and chemical purity as well as competitive prices and a broad application field.

The research and development goal of the project aims at different applications of lignin within electronics. Lignin-based printed circuit boards are part of the project as well as screen print frames and drilling backplates. The subproject one includes project management, establishment of a website and accompanying assessment of the environmental performance related to similar standard electronic applications.

In collaboration with Technische Universität Berlin, technological developments will be tested for PCB processes, material characterization and reliability investigations of base materials, substrates and products.

In this project, proposals for various applications will be subjected to comparative assessment. This will consider both the costs and environmental impacts and compare these with conventional alternatives. The environmental assessment gives the opportunity to compare different application-scenarios. The website serves as a tool for public relations and networking with other initiatives.

Services offered by the Department of Environmental and Reliability Engineering