Nanosilica/recycled polycarbonate composites for electronic packaging

Several simple methods were performed to recycle compact discs (CDs) using an alkaline solution. The hydrophilic silica nanoparticles were incorporated into the recycled deinked polycarbonate CDs, and these particles affected the dielectric, structure, and thermal properties of the recycled polycarbonates. The thermal properties of recycled CDs were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). No significant change in the thermal stability of polycarbonate/silica nanocomposites was observed with the mechanical/chemical modifications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the structural aspects, showing a correlation between crystallinity, silica nanoparticles, and modification methods. The mechanically treated sample after chemical handling had the lowest degree of crystallinity (48 %), showing that the modification methods enhanced the formation of the amorphous state, thus affecting its dielectric properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterized the CD samples' microstructure and morphology. Finally, the dielectric properties were studied using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) in the 101–106 Hz range. The samples prepared using chemical and mechanical treatments were of low dielectric loss. This increases its importance when such samples are used as antistatic charge materials. For these reasons, recycled PC/SiO2 nanocomposites are recommended as effective packaging materials for electronic components. •An alkaline potassium hydroxide successfully recycled polycarbonate compact discs.•Silica nano particles enhanced the properties of the recycled polycarbonate.•X-ray diffraction (XRD) correlated crystallinity and preparation methods.•Mechanical crushing with chemical treatments effectively removed inked layers.