Preparation of flexible and biodegradable devices using biopolymers added with carbon materials: Insights for sustainable agriculture

• Grant number: 23/06505-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Marystela Ferreira
• Grantee: Marystela Ferreira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias para a Sustentabilidade (CCTS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Jessica de Souza Rodrigues
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/15916-5 - Characterization of materials by spectroscopic, difratometric, morphological and electrochemical techniques., BP.TT; 23/17363-0 - Preparation of flexible and biodegradable devices using biopolymers additivated with carbon materials: Insights for sustainable agriculture, BP.TT

Abstract

The project is divided into three work fronts. On the first front, polymer matrix composites with conductive carbonaceous materials will be prepared and characterized. The composites will be produced by evaluating different compositions and proportions of polymer matrix/carbonaceous charge and functionalized by coating with nanostructured films, built using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique, seeking a better electrochemical response in the case of application in sensors. In the second work front, chitosan nanoparticles will be synthesized with NPK fertilizers, which will be added to thermoplastic starch films to achieve controlled release of the fertilizer. The third work front will focus on the production of lignin-based nanoparticles for encapsulating active ingredients such as pesticides, fungicides, and growth hormones. The materials produced will be extensively characterized using microscopy techniques, as well as electrochemical, spectroscopic, and diffractometric measurements to better understand their morphological and physicochemical properties. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy will also be used to characterize the interactions between the materials. It is hoped that the materials developed will produce good results that will allow them to be applied in the agricultural field, through the detection of pesticides, controlled release of fertilizers and active ingredients. The aim is to improve crop productivity, without neglecting the environmental issues arising from agricultural activity, such as contamination of the soil and groundwater in the regions where crops are grown. (AU)