Casting produced thinner films, while extrusion yielded thicker sheets. The organophilization of two Brazilian bentonites (Bofe and Chocolate clays) using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was effective, as confirmed by increased basal spacing, presence of CH₂/(CH₃)₄N⁺ group bands in FTIR spectra, and decomposition events of CTAB in TGA/DTA analysis. The organophilization process modified the properties of the smectites, enabling the production of biocomposites with improved characteristics. The results demonstrate the potential of using fine montmorillonite particles from mineral beneficiation to develop sustainable packaging materials, promoting resource recovery and reducing environmental impact. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors acknowledge the support of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Mineral Technology Center (CETEM), Program of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, COPPE/UFRJ, CNPq, CAPES, and FAPERJ. REFERENCES Alves, J.L., Rosa, P.T.V., Realinho, V., Antunes, M., Velasco, J.I. and Morales, A., (2019). Influence of chemical composition of Brazilian organoclays on the morphological, structural and thermal properties of PLA-organoclay nanocomposites. Applied Clay Science. 180, 105186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2019.105186 Bertagnolli, C., Kleinubing, S.J. and da Silva, M.G.C., (2011). Preparation and characterization of a Brazilian bentonite Clay for removal of copper in porous beds. Applied Clay Science. 53, 73-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2011.05.002 Chang, Y., Guo, K., Guo, L., Liu, X., Chen, G., Liu, H. and Yang, H., (2016). Ploy (lactic acid)/organo-modified montmorillonite nanocomposites for improved eletret properties. Journal of Electrostatics. 80, 17-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elstat.2016.01.001 Chokri, M., Azougagh, O., El Bojaddayni, I., Jalafi, I., Ouardi, Y., Jilal, I., Ahari, M., Salhi, A., El Idrissi, A., Bendahhou, A., Abou-Salama, M. and El Barkany, S., (2025). Progress in bentonite clay modification and enhancing properties to industrial applications: A review. Materials Chemistry and Physics. 337, 130486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.130486 Crawford, E.A., Mekonnen, T.H., (2025). Effects of chain extension and clay reinforcement on PLA nanocomposite foams. Reactive and Functional Polymers. 209, 106183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2025.106183 Gao, P. and Masato, D., (2024). The Effects of Nucleating Agents and Processing on the Crystallization and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid: A Review. Micromachines. 15, 776. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060776 Gonzáles-Seligra, P., Guz, L., Ochoa-Yepes, O. and Goyanes, S. F. (2017). Influence of extrusion process conditions on starch film morpholog.. LWT - Food Science and Technology. 84, 520–528. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2017.06.027 Guven, N., (2009). Bentonites - Clays for Molecular Engineering. Elements. 5, 89-92. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.5.2.89 Guzel, S., Unal, H.I., Erol, O. and Sari, B, (2012). Polyindene/organo-montmorillonite conducting nanocomposites. I. Synthesis, Characterization, and electrokinetic properties. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 123, 2911-2922. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.34922
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