Researchers at Johannes Kepler University (Austria) discovered that the reishi mushroom skin can be used as a biodegradable substrate for computer chips.

In a paper published in the journal Science Advances, the team describes the effectiveness of this approach. The scientists also say the ability to easily remove the skin after the chip is no longer useful.

Most of the chips used to make electronic devices are placed on a plastic base. Unfortunately, the type of plastic used is completely non-recyclable. That means most computer chips end up in landfills around the world. Previous research has suggested that situation means 50 million tons of e-waste ends up in landfills each year.

The base of a chip is the part that the team wanted to take a closer look at. After searching for a possible alternative, they discovered that reishi may be an effective remedy. The team notes that the fungus grows a layer of skin to cover the thread, its root-like part. Previous research has shown that the skin protects the fungus from other fungi and bacteria.

After removing some of the skin from certain samples, the researchers found that it was a flexible layer, had good insulation, and could withstand high temperatures. Scientists also note that, if kept away from light and moisture, this layer of skin will last a long time.

On the other hand, if exposed to conditions with a lot of light and moisture, the skin will quickly decompose. The skin of Ganoderma Lucidum converges all the elements that the team thinks will create a very good chip base.

The team has developed a means to deposit metal electronic circuit components onto the skin. Then they use a laser. Tests show that the leather works almost like a traditional plastic base and can withstand repeated bending.

Specifically, this layer of skin does not break after 2,000 bends. The scientists also discovered that the mushroom skin could be used to make battery components.

However, according to the scientists, more work needs to be done to ensure that the leather behaves as expected in an industrial environment. In addition, the team needed to find a clean process to remove the skin, in case the chip is no longer in use.

According to TechXplore - Giaoducthoidai.vn