Development of Additive Cellulose Composite Circuit Board Manufacturing

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3D-printing technology is a global and Canadian strategic theme in manufacturing. Specially, 3D-printed electronic systems are the subjects attracting continuous attention from both the academic and industrial communities. 3D-printed electronics is a technical trend to realize wearable electronics and cost-efficient electronics. Moreover, 3D-printed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology will become a popular technology in small and medium-sized enterprises because of less requirement on infrastructure investment, which is a tendency for electronics industry. The successful demonstration of the proposed wood-derived 3D-printed PCB manufacturing with high potential to be scaled to mass production level is industrially valuable. This will greatly help the development both in eco-friendly electronic material market as well as in 3D-printed electronics manufacturing industry in Canada. The highly interdisciplinary nature of this project involves cross-fertilization of additive-manufacturing across several disciplines, including material science, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. The challenges addressed in this project represent new research frontiers in PCB manufacturing, eco-friendly cellulose composite materials, polymer science, and even advanced manufacturing. The proposed projects will drive countless innovations: e.g. in sensors, robotics, or sustainable manufacturing with products that include advanced sustainable PCBs and embedded electronics. The manufacturing process will reduce the costs of production, reduce energy consumption, and replace inefficient or toxic manufacturing techniques with greener alternatives. Environmental benefits are anticipated as Canada strives to meet its carbon reduction targets through reductions in energy consumption and use of rare materials for PCB production. Further, the broad training of HQP, encompassing additive manufacturing development, will produce highly valuable engineers ready to enhance Canada's position as a leader in PCB with innovative new patents, processes, devices and start-up companies.