Abstract
The study aimed to repurpose both organic ash and inorganic waste materials to improve the electrical properties of soil for electronic applications. Eight soil samples were treated with a mixture of yam peels ash (YPA) and spent computer printer toner (SCT) at various quantities. Following a curing period of 28 days, their electrical characteristics were assessed in line with ASTM guidelines. From the results, there is a strong indication that the two blending agents had significant impact of the soil dielectric constant (ɛʹ), dielectric loss (ɛʹʹ), and relaxation time values (p ≤0.05). It was noted that with an increase in the quantity of YPA from 0 to 20% and at 5% SCT, the soil’s εʹ, ɛʹʹ and τ values ranged from 3.8 to 8.72, 0.84 to 3.19, and 3.91 to 6.47, respectively. Likewise, as the YPA content increased from 0 to 20%, in conjunction with a 10% SCT quantity, the soil samples exhibited varying values for εʹ, εʹʹ, and τ, ranging from 3.8 to 9.21, 0.84 to 3.22, and 3.91 to 6.18, respectively. This study findings revealed that yam peel and SCT (a toxic compound), can be effectively recycled to manufacture high-quality electronic components. This offers a sustainable approach to waste management while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability. The observed enhancement in the dielectric behaviors of the fortified soil holds significant advantages for the electronic industry, particularly in the production of capacitors and diodes.