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.

Blending PHA copolymers improves thermal stability, mechanical strength, processability (3D printing), and biodegradability, without addition of additives, offering a promising alternative to fossil-based and non-degradable polymers.

This study explores the development of biodegradable filaments for additive manufacturing, aiming to create membranes for oil and water separation. Using a mixture of poly (lactic acid) and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) with additives such as zinc oxide, biocide and carnauba wax. The research evaluates the potential of these materials in membrane prototyping for this application. Characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC and tensile strength were employed. The results showed that the addition of the additives did not induce the formation of new bands in the FTIR. However, new diffraction peaks appeared in the composites indicating the presence of the zinc oxide. DSC revealed a double peak in melting and crystallization temperatures and the mechanical tests showed significant influence of additives on tensile strength. The composite filaments proved to be suitable for 3D printing, suggesting their applicability in the manufacture of filter membranes for oil and water separation.

3D printing has expanded into diverse fields, including water treatment, sensors, scaffolds, and agriculture. This study evaluates the incorporation of magnesium oxide into activated carbon within a commercial PLA/PBAT blend for the production of filaments via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The addition of magnesium oxide increased the elastic modulus by more than 50% without altering tensile strength. Density reached up to 1.3 g/cm3, with no significant impact on the application. The combined effect of magnesium oxide and activated carbon enhanced soil degradability to approximately 8% within 60 days, compared with formulations containing only activated carbon. Thermal variations, such as an increase in crystallization temperature from 67.5 °C to 76 °C, did not compromise processability. Despite the dimensional instability of the filaments, it was possible to print functional parts with good quality. These results demonstrate a sustainable and innovative route for developing advanced filaments tailored for additive manufacturing within the context of Industry 4.0.

Contemporary agriculture faces the challenge of reconciling productivity and sustainability, making hydroponics a promising alternative. However, the lack of biodegradable materials that combine mechanical performance, stability, and compatibility with nutrient solutions limits its expansion. In this context, this study proposes innovative composites based on poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), functionalized with activated carbon (AC) and the cationic surfactant CTAB, targeting applications in hydroponic systems. The formulations (PBAT, PBAT/5AC, PBAT/5AC/1CTAB, and PBAT/5AC/2CTAB) were processed by extrusion and injection and characterized by mechanical testing (ASTM D638), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle (ASTM D7334-08). CTAB acted as a functionalizing agent, improving CA dispersion and reducing agglomerates, which resulted in gains of 15.53% in the modulus of elasticity and 4.05% in tensile strength, in addition to greater surface hydrophilicity. Despite lower thermal stability, the properties obtained favor the adhesion of aqueous solutions, making the composites promising for sustainable substrates and components in hydroponic cultivation.