Laser-Induced Graphene from Wood-Based Composites: Integrating Circuits in Bioderived Furniture

Abstract

The growing global demand for sustainability is driving the scientific community to explore alternative manufacturing approaches, particularly in the electronics field, where resource scarcity and e-waste pose significant environmental challenges. One promising solution is the direct patterning of laser-induced graphene (LIG) conductive tracks onto bioderived substrates. In this study, several wood panels are successfully fabricated with different resin formulations from Jatropha curcas L. seeds to reduce the urea-formaldehyde content, and the feasibility of LIG-based electronics on these panels is assessed. The panels’ physical and mechanical properties are evaluated, including thickness swelling and internal bond strength, and conductive LIG is successfully scribed on all samples. Proofs of concept include a four-LED circuit and humidity sensors, with the best sensor achieving ≈0.2031 pF %RH⁻¹ sensitivity and ≈5% hysteresis error. These results demonstrate the feasibility of embedding functional circuits into bioderived substrates and pave the way for sustainable smart furniture by integrating bioderived materials with advanced manufacturing techniques.