3D Printing Your Phone

By: Maegan Martinez 

While most of us scramble to get our hands on the latest iPhone and other electronic devices, not many of us consider the electronic waste (e-waste) accumulation over the past few decades. By 2021, it is estimated that there will be an e-waste build up of 52.2 million metric tons with a 4% annual growth rate. A new process that utilizes e-waste plastics to manufacture sustainable 3D printing filaments may be a unique solution to this environmental issue. Currently, most procedures in 3D printing use nonrenewable virgin plastics such as ABS which is not particularly eco-friendly. However, it was found that polycarbonate, the most encountered plastic in e-waste, was able to be transformed into 3D printing filaments similar in strength and flexibility to virgin plastics. Results showed that e-waste filaments displayed up to 76% breaking strength and 83% tensile strength that of virgin plastic. Because virgin plastic has never been processed, it would be impossible for recycled plastic to reach 100% of its durability. Nonetheless, if this new recyclable process was established, there would be a 28% drop in carbon dioxide emissions. It is almost unbelievable that it could make such a significant impact, but statistics show that the market for 3D printing materials will be worth $16 billion in the United States by 2028. Ergo, there is a way to enjoy our iPhones, advance our technology and sustain the environment all at the same time!

Schematic diagram of E-waste transformation to 3D printing filaments. 

References

Gaikwad, V., A. Ghose, S. Cholake, A. Rawal, M. Iwato, and V. Sahajwalla. 2018. Transformation of E-Waste Plastics into Sustainable Filaments for 3D Printing. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. A-H.