Overview

• Global e-waste has soared from 34 billion to 62 billion kilograms over 12 years and is projected to reach 82 billion kilograms by 2030, but only one-fifth is currently recycled.
• Virginia Tech researchers Michael Bartlett and Josh Worch engineered a dynamic polymer composite that matches traditional circuit board durability while enabling recyclability and self-healing.
• The new material embeds liquid metal droplets in a vitrimer matrix to carry electric current and withstand mechanical deformation.
• Damage to the boards can be healed with a simple heat treatment without compromising electrical performance.
• At end of life, alkaline hydrolysis breaks down the material to reclaim liquid metal, LEDs and other key components for closed-loop reuse.