Development of Biodegradable PLA/PBAT-Based Filaments for Fertilizer Release for Agricultural Applications

Abstract

The aim of this work was to produce filaments of PLA/PBAT and NPK fertilizer adsorbed on organophilized bentonite intended for application in the prototyping of biodegradable agricultural artifacts in 3D printing, using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. This is the first time that we have reported this composite for a 3D printing approach. Systems containing PLA/PBAT, organobentonite and NPK were initially processed in an internal mixer and later extruded as filaments in a single-screw extruder. The prototypes were printed by FDM. Structural, morphological and thermal properties, as well as NPK releasing, were investigated. The results suggest that exfoliated and/or intercalated nanocomposites were obtained by the organoclay addition to the PLA/PBAT blend. The morphological analysis revealed a good surface quality of the impressions. Systems containing organobentonite released approximately 22% less fertilizer in 24 h compared to the systems without organobentonite. This difference is due to the higher concentration of nanoparticles that generate more barriers to the diffusion of NPK. The release data for these systems had a better fit to the kinetic model of Korsmeyer-Peppas. Thus, studied filaments have the potential to retard the release of fertilizer and are suitable for further development of structures for agricultural applications by FDM.

Efficiency of Fertilizing Maize Plants Through the Application of Slow Release NPK Tablet Fertilizer with Biofertilizer

“…The application of controlled or slow-release fertilizers represents a novel solution to reduce atmospheric pollution and nutrient leaching [68]. Slow-release fertilizers are recognized as an efficient and beneficial strategy to ensure plant production and optimize nitrogen utilization [69], [70].…”

Development of biodegradable filaments based on agro‐industrial waste and evaluation of process parameters in final properties

“…3,4 The dimension of additive manufacturing as a production technique has been increasing and spreading rapidly in the aerospace, 5 educational, 6 medical segments, 7 and agriculture. 8 In agriculture, the importance of 3D printing lies in the possibility of small producers having the opportunity to produce tools and products that, in addition to having a lower cost, would make small farms selfsufficient in this sense. 9 Among the aspects of this new polymer processing tool, fused deposition modeling (FDM) has become the most accessible due to the precise production and ease of handling of the equipment.…”

“…Additive manufacturing is aligned with the concept of sustainability, considering energy‐saving perspectives, low cost, and the possibility of developing structures with complex profiles without the need to develop molds 3,4 . The dimension of additive manufacturing as a production technique has been increasing and spreading rapidly in the aerospace, 5 educational, 6 medical segments, 7 and agriculture 8 . In agriculture, the importance of 3D printing lies in the possibility of small producers having the opportunity to produce tools and products that, in addition to having a lower cost, would make small farms self‐sufficient in this sense 9 .…”