Work

Kinetically inert covalent adaptable networks enable holistic resource recovery from high-performance printed circuit boards

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The massive accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste) globally demands sustainable strategies for printed circuit boards (PCBs), a goal currently hindered by the pervasive use of irreversibly cured epoxy resins. Here, a kinetically inert covalent adaptable network (CAN) is designed for recyclable high-performance PCB based on gem-dimethyl dithioketal (gTK) epoxy resins. The gem-dimethyl effect significantly enhances the stability of gTK bonds through steric hindrance, kinetically blocking undesirable acidolysis and heat-induced exchange reactions. The fabricated gTKPCB satisfies the demanding commercial specifications, exhibiting robust thermomechanical stability (~ 220 °C), chemical resistance, and highly reliable electrical interconnection under long-term thermal conditions (105 °C, 90 d). Crucially, gTKPCBs undergo oxidation-specific degradation in H2O2 solution, enabling the direct, nondestructive recovery of high-purity copper (99.5%) and glass fibers, and the degraded resins as adhesives. Life cycle assessment confirms that this valorization approach significantly mitigates environmental impact compared to traditional metallurgical recovery processes. This work provides a powerful blueprint for sustainable transitions in the electronics industry and offers a holistic solution for e-waste recycling. The accumulation of electronic waste demands sustainable strategies for printed circuit boards, a goal limited by the use of cured epoxy resins. Here the authors develop a kinetically inert covalent adaptable network designed for recyclable high-performance printed circuit boards based on gem-dimethyl dithioketal epoxy resins.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-77223-7