Sugarcane bagasse becomes eco-friendly packaging for electronics
Researchers at the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed a new anti-static, sustainable packaging made from sugarcane bagasse and carbon black—a material derived from the incomplete combustion of vegetable matter, such as coal and coal tar, or petroleum products.
The material is designed to enhance safety and minimize damage caused by electrostatic discharges to sensitive electronic components, including chips, semiconductors, and other high-value parts. These components are commonly found in computers, smartphones, televisions, and even vehicles.
Called conductive cryogel, the product ensures safety without harming the environment. It is intended to replace conventional plastic materials that are highly polluting.
“Our goal is to provide a sustainable alternative for the sensitive electronics packaging industry by replacing plastic materials with high-performance, less-polluting options,” explains Juliana Bernardes, the study’s coordinator.
The CNPEM research that led to the development of the product, published in Advanced Sustainable Systems, was funded by FAPESP (São Paulo State Research Foundation). In addition to Juliana Bernardes, the study was authored by researchers Gabriele Polezi, Elisa Ferreira, and Diego Nascimento, all from CNPEM’s National Nanotechnology Laboratory.
The product is unique in the market and has already been patented. CNPEM plans to seek partnerships with companies interested in scaling up production, through its Innovation Department.
The researcher notes that the material features a lightweight, porous structure with high mechanical resistance and flame-retardant properties that slow the spread of fire.
“Its electrical conductivity can be tailored to specific needs: at low concentrations of carbon black (1% to 5%), it gradually dissipates electrostatic charges, while at higher concentrations (above 10%), it becomes an efficient conductor, suitable for advanced applications that protect highly sensitive electronic equipment,” explains Bernardes.
According to the researchers, while production costs have not yet been priced, conductive cryogel offers several environmental and competitive advantages, including enhanced fire resistance, versatility, and the use of abundant raw materials.
