Recycling of oil-based and biological polyesters for food contact: degradation, migration and determination of (non) intentionally added substances

• Grant number: 21/08224-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Grantee: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Cristina Nerin
• Associated research grant(s): 23/02936-5 - Aptasensor based on recyclable/biodegradable polymers for the detection of three main salmonella serotypes, AP.R

Abstract

The search for high-performance and low-cost materials makes polymers increasingly present in the manufacturing industry and in the daily lives of consumers. Its applicability extends to several market segments, among which the automotive, textile and especially food packaging industries stand out. Linked to the exponential growth of consumption is the generation of waste, and although plastic has gradually conquered its space as a material of great importance to society, its disposal is still a problem for the world, and especially for Brazil. To reduce the environmental impact that these materials cause, international environmental protection policies are planning several initiatives, among which the (i) gradual elimination of single-use plastics, (ii) the exclusive use of polymers recycled for the manufacture of packaging and disposables and (iii) the increase in materials of renewable origin in fast-disposal applications. Therefore, this project seeks to carry out a study on the recyclability of PLA and PET with a view to its application for contact with food. It is intended to establish a correlation between reprocessing and the formation of unintentionally added substances (NIAS), as well as their influence on the physicochemical properties of PLA and PET. The adequacy of the molar mass and its distribution, aiming at its original characteristics, will be obtained through the use of polycarbodiimide. Furthermore, we intend to identify and quantify the formation of NIAS and substances intentionally added (IAS) in recycled polymers (PLA and PET) using sensitive and high resolution analytical techniques such as SPME-CG-MS, GC-O- MS and UPLC-MS/QTOF. The potential risk of migration to different food simulants and under different conditions will also be assessed. Finally, we aim to collaborate for the advancement and employability of the use of recyclable polymers obtained from petroleum and biological base for contact with food, in addition to contributing to one of the most relevant topics associated with food safety, elucidating the main NIAS formed in these systems. (AU)

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PAIVA, ROBERT; AZNAR, MARGARITA; WRONA, MAGDALENA; BATISTA, ANA PAULA DE LIMA; NERIN, CRISTINA; CRUZ, SANDRA A.. Biobased Polymer Recycling: A Comprehensive Dive into the Recycling Process of PLA and Its Decontamination Efficacy. ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS, v. 6, n. 19, p. 10-pg., 2024-09-26. (21/08224-1, 22/12043-5)

PAIVA, ROBERT; BONATTI, SOPHIA H. F.; ESTREMERA, CARLOS; WRONA, MAGDALENA; RAMOS, VANIA MARTINS; BATISTA, ANA PAULA DE LIMA; STAFFA, LUCAS H.; NERIN, CRISTINA; CRUZ, SANDRA A.. How Carbodiimide Modulates Oligomer Migration and Molar Mass in Recycled Poly(lactic acid): A Study Using UPLC-QTOF-MS^E. ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS, v. 6, n. 24, p. 12-pg., 2024-12-05. (22/12043-5, 21/08224-1)

PAIVA, ROBERT; WRONA, MAGDALENA; NERIN, CRISTINA; GAVRIL, GEORGIANA-LUMINITA; CRUZ, SANDRA ANDREA. Volatile Compounds and Off-odors Analysis of Recycled PLA for Packaging Applications: An Essential Factor for Ensuring Food Safety and Quality. JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT, v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2024-09-25. (21/08224-1)

PAIVA, ROBERT; PEREIRA-FILHO, EDENIR RODRIGUES; WRONA, MAGDALENA; CRUZ, SANDRA A.. Optimization of Washing Parameters to Minimize the Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) Using Design of Experiments: A Contribution to the Recycling Chain. JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT, v. 32, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2023-10-13. (21/08224-1)