Lignocellulosic materials as anchoring and reinforcing matrices in the enhanced efficiency fertilizers production

• Grant number: 25/04052-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: September 20, 2025
• End date: September 19, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Roselena Faez
• Grantee: Sahmira Bianchi
• Supervisor: Dario Puppi
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università di Pisa, Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/12151-5 - Lignocellulosic materials as anchoring and reinforcing matrices in the enhanced efficiency fertilizers production, BP.DD

Abstract

The increasing global population has intensified food demand, leading to unsustainable fertilizer use and significant environmental nutrient losses. Innovative agricultural practices are essential to achieve sustainable food production in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 12. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), which utilize biodegradable lignocellulosic materials (LCMs) as sustainable matrices, offer a promising solution as they encompass the most abundant natural polymers on Earth. In the case of lignin, its use represents repurposing a material typically considered waste from the papermaking or bioethanol production industries. When combined with cellulose micro/nanofibrils (CMF/CNFs), lignin enhances the structural integrity and efficiency of EEFs. The development of effective EEFs depends on the method used to integrate the matrix and nutrients. Techniques such as spray-drying and melt-processing, including extrusion and additive manufacturing (3D printing), offer innovative approaches for EEF production. Spray-drying enables the formation of microparticles, which can be used directly or integrated into thermoplastic matrices. Melt-processing allows for the fabrication of EEFs in different forms, including tablets, filaments, pellets, and 3D-printed structures. This BEPE project aims to investigate the rheological properties of lignin and nutrient-based composites to optimize filament formulation for 3D printing, always correlating with other structural, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties. Composites with varying microparticle compositions and thermoplastic matrices will be evaluated to develop an ideal filament for additive manufacturing. The study will contribute to the advancement of EEFs with tailored nutrient release, aligning with the future perspectives of sustainable agriculture.