Sense and Sustainability

Important results from the project

According to the proposal, the project has developed, evaluated and implemented functional materials to manufacture sustainable sensors, and to some extent investigated signal analysis. By developing inks and using screen printing for processing, sensors to measure ammonia, humidity, pH and fluid leakage/level have been produced. Work has also been done on electrochromic displays, and green solvents have been identified for future development of harmless inks. Evaluation of biodegradable substrates, to replace PET, and LCA screening of relevant materials have also been done.

Expected long term effects

The results of the project will serve as a basis for future development in terms of material selection and manufacturing techniques for the development and implementation of new monitoring methodology, including processing and analysis of measurement data. The project can act as scientific support regarding how new methodology and technology can be developed to streamline future environmental monitoring that is in line with both Swedish environmental goals and international directives and regulations.

Approach and implementation

The project started with a literature study for the selection of materials required to screen print various types of functional sensor devices, followed by device design, manufacturing and characterization. Evaluation, e.g., by LCA screening, of biodegradable substrates was carried out; given their relatively large weight/area/volume, as compared to the thin screen printed functional layers, they are considered to be a relevant group of materials. LCA screening was also done for several of the selected active sensor materials.