SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTS THROUGH PROCESS INNOVATION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY: UTILIZING FINE PARTICLES OF MONTMORILLONITIC BENTONITESINSTRUCTIONS *A. Middea1, E.M.B. Lima2, R.N. Oliveira3, R. Neumann1,4, A.C. Corrêa5 1Center for Mineral Technology (CETEM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, (*Presenting author: amiddea@cetem.gov.br) 2Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Food Technology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 3Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 4Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), National Museum of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 5Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), São Paulo, Brazil. ABSTRACT This study presents a novel approach to developing advanced packaging materials by utilizing fine montmorillonite particles from mineral beneficiation processes, promoting process innovation and resource recovery. The replacement of traditional plastics with bioplastics is an interactive approach in the field of advanced materials. In this study, we utilized the clay fractions present in bentonites from Northeastern Brazil (Bofe and Chocolate clays), rich in montmorillonite, to develop nanobiocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA). After mineral beneficiation and chemical modification processes, the hydrophobic organophilic clays were dispersed in the PLA matrix, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical properties. The developed nanobiocomposites showed superior performance when combined with thymol, including antioxidant activity and mechanical resistance. Furthermore, they can be processed by traditional manufacturing industries and 3D printers. This study demonstrates the potential of using mineral processing waste to develop sustainable plastic materials with high mechanical resistance and rapid decomposition in the environment. The bionanocomposites exhibit modified clay particles that are axis-aligned in the direction of flow during extrusion/injection. The Chocolate organoclay serves as a nucleating agent, promoting PLA crystal growth and thereby increasing the sample's crystallinity. In contrast, the Bofe organoclay hinders the mobility of amorphous chains, resulting in a decrease in the sample's crystallization. Although the incorporation of both organoclays into PLA reduces the sample's elongation at break and tensile strength, it enhances the Young's modulus. Notably, the Bofe organoclay exhibits greater activity in the amorphous phase of PLA, whereas the Chocolate organoclay is more effective in the crystalline phase. The use of fine montmorillonite particles reduces waste and promotes environmentally friendly practices,
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