Abstract (Introduction): The lack of feasible circular economy models for recycling single-use plastics poses a significant challenge to sustainable waste management. Single-use plastics, particularly flexible types, contribute to environmental pollution and require effective recycling strategies. (Objective): This study aimed to analyze global recycling models for single-use plastics under key parameters: type of pollutant, impacts on sustainability, value generation, stakeholders involved, and level of technology. (Methodology): A global review of 21 circular economy models focused on single-use flexible plastics was conducted, evaluating their feasibility and effectiveness. Six models were identified as the most relevant based on the selected criteria. (Results): The findings indicate that improving eco-efficiency requires the integration of physical and chemical recycling processes to achieve cost reductions. Additionally, maintaining a constant flow of recyclable materials is essential, emphasizing the critical role of material collection and classification cooperatives. In Colombia, the collection and classification of plastic materials emerged as a pivotal element for the long-term sustainability of recycling models. (Conclusions): The study highlights the necessity of combining technological and logistical efforts to enhance recycling processes. Strengthening material recovery systems and cooperative efforts is crucial for advancing circular economy goals in the context of single-use plastics.

Resumen (Introducción): La falta de modelos viables de economía circular para el reciclaje de plásticos de un solo uso representa un desafío importante para la gestión sostenible de residuos. Los plásticos de un solo uso, especialmente los tipos flexibles, contribuyen a la contaminación ambiental y requieren estrategias de reciclaje efectivas. (Objetivo): Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar modelos de reciclaje globales para plásticos de un solo uso bajo parámetros clave: tipo de contaminante, impactos en la sostenibilidad, generación de valor, actores involucrados y nivel de tecnología. (Metodología): Se realizó una revisión global de 21 modelos de economía circular enfocados en plásticos flexibles de un solo uso, evaluando su viabilidad y efectividad. Se identificaron 6 modelos como los más relevantes, según los criterios seleccionados. (Resultados): Los hallazgos indican que mejorar la ecoeficiencia requiere la integración de procesos de reciclaje físicos y químicos para lograr reducciones de costos. Además, es esencial mantener un flujo constante de materiales reciclables, destacando el papel crítico de las cooperativas de recolección y clasificación de materiales. En Colombia, la recolección y clasificación de materiales plásticos surgió como un elemento clave para la sostenibilidad, a largo plazo, de los modelos de reciclaje. (Conclusiones): El estudio resalta la necesidad de combinar esfuerzos tecnológicos y logísticos para mejorar los procesos de reciclaje. Fortalecer, los sistemas de recuperación de materiales y las iniciativas cooperativas, es crucial para avanzar en los objetivos de la economía circular en el contexto de los plásticos de un solo uso.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor present mostly in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, can migrate into food and beverages, resulting in human exposure. This study aimed to develop and validate an improved liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring BPA levels in urine, applying this method for BPA exposure evaluation in a Brazilian cohort, along with BPA hair levels. Samples from 100 volunteers were collected. Urine samples were extracted using an automated solid-phase extraction procedure. The assay had a 6.5-min run time, a linear range of 0.10-25 ng mL-1, precision of 3.8-18.1%, and accuracy of 96.6-103.4%. BPA was detected in all tested urine samples (median 0.86 ng mL-1). In hair, 47% of samples had detectable BPA concentrations (median 4.8 ng g-1). No correlation was found between BPA levels in urine and hair. All levels were below the safety threshold, indicating minimal risk for the studied population, with higher urinary BPA linked to canned product consumption and higher hair levels to a healthier diet.

RESUMO: Materiais de base biológica provenientes de proteínas, polissacarídeos e lipídios têm sido estudados como alternativas biodegradáveis aos plásticos sintéticos, bem como matrizes para incorporação de substâncias bioativas. Neste contexto, a pectina é um polissacarídeo utilizado para produzir filmes flexíveis para embalagens de alimentos. A própolis é uma mistura complexa de substâncias resinosas com propriedades antimicrobianas e outras propriedades biológicas que podem ser usadas para produzir embalagens ativas para alimentos. Contudo, a aplicação de tais materiais ainda está limitada devido à sua natureza hidrofílica. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar experimentalmente as isotermas de sorção e o calor isotérmico de sorção de filmes de pectina-própolis nas temperaturas de 15, 25, 30 e 35 °C, e determinar o modelo matemático que melhor se ajusta aos dados experimentais obtidos. A pectina foi extraída do mesocarpo do pequi, fruta amplamente consumida no bioma cerrado brasileiro que gera grande quantidade de cascas (exocarpo e mesocarpo) descartadas. Dentre os modelos matemáticos estudados, o modelo Sigma Copace foi o que melhor representa o comportamento higroscópico dos filmes de pectina-própolis. O calor isotérmico de sorção diminuiu com o aumento do teor de água, os filmes apresentaram comportamento semelhante aos produtos agrícolas. A compreensão do comportamento deste filme contribui na aplicação de filmes de pectina-própolis produzidos utilizando mesocarpo de pequi como fonte de pectina. RESUMO proteínas sintéticos bioativas contexto alimentos Contudo hidrofílica Portanto pectinaprópolis 15 25 3 C °C obtidos exocarpo descartadas pectinaprópolis. própolis. água agrícolas 1 2

ABSTRACT: Bio-based materials from proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have been studied as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics, as well as matrices for incorporation of bioactive substances. In this context, pectin is a polysaccharide used to produce flexible food packaging films. Propolis is a complex mixture of resinous substances with antimicrobial and other biological properties that can be used to generate active food packaging. However, the application of such materials is still limited due to their hydrophilic nature. Thus, this experimentally evaluated the sorption isotherms and isothermal heat of sorption of pectin-propolis films at temperatures of 15, 25, 30, and 35 °C, and determined the mathematical model that best fits the experimental data obtained. The pectin was extracted from pequi mesocarp, a widely consumed fruit in the Brazilian cerrado biome that generates large amounts of peels (exocarp and mesocarp) which are discarded. Among the mathematical models studied, the Sigma Copace model was found to best represent the hygroscopic behavior of the pectin-propolis films. The isothermal heat of sorption decreased with increasing water content, and the films presented similar behavior to agricultural products. The understanding of such film’s behavior contributed to the application of pectin-propolis films produced using pequi mesocarp as a pectin source. ABSTRACT Biobased Bio based proteins polysaccharides plastics context However nature Thus pectinpropolis propolis 15 25 30 3 C °C obtained exocarp discarded content products film s source 1 2

RESUMEN El propósito de este trabajo fue presentar una Fileteadora-Extrusora capaz de utilizar botellas de plástico PET (Tereftalato de polietileno) como materia prima para convertirlo en filamento para impresión 3D. Este proyecto implicó el ensamblaje del dispositivo, un estudio previo para determinar las condiciones generales de las botellas recolectadas para comprobar si son aptas para ser utilizadas en una impresora 3D luego de ser reciclada por nuestra máquina, determinar la situación actual de la cobertura del reciclaje del plástico y las condiciones generales de las botellas recolectadas. El prototipo fue construido de diversos componentes reciclados conformados por las siguientes partes físicas: Un bloque calentador o hotend, un motor de limpia parabrisas, una pantalla LCD 20x4, sensores y microcontrolador. Este dispositivo emplea un Arduino programado de tal manera a que el sistema tenga la capacidad de controlar la temperatura mediante la cual se calienta el filamento por medio de un control PID. El producto obtenido de PET con la máquina montada ha sido sometido a ensayo de tracción siguiendo la norma ASTM para verificación de la resistencia del material.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this project was to present a Filament Extruder capable of using PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic bottles as raw material to convert them into filament for 3D printing. This project involved assembling the device, conducting a preliminary study to determine the general conditions of the collected bottles to verify if they were suitable for use in a 3D printer after being recycled by our machine, and evaluating the current state of plastic recycling coverage and the conditions of the collected bottles. The prototype was constructed from various recycled components, consisting of the following physical parts: a hotend, a windscreen wiper motor, a 20x4 LCD screen, sensors, and a microcontroller. The device uses a programmed Arduino, enabling the system to control the temperature at which the filament is heated via PID control. The PET product obtained from the machine has undergone a tensile test according to ASTM standards to verify the material's strength.

Abstract On the coast of the urban beaches of Maputo City (Mozambique), the amount of plastic material deposited inappropriately is remarkable to anyone who visits them, and little is known about the actual amount of plastic waste produced. The aim of this work was to develop a model for the integrated management of plastic waste along Avenida Marginal in Maputo City. A survey was carried out of the main types of plastic found on urban beaches, and there is a greater predominance of plastic bags, snack packaging, plastic lids and PET bottles, which shows that plastics are not used properly to preserve the ecosystem and the environment in which we find ourselves. An integrated plastic waste management model has been proposed in line with the Mozambique reality.

Resumo Na costa das praias urbanas da Cidade de Maputo (Moçambique), é notável, por qualquer pessoa que a visite, quantidade de material plástico depositado de forma inadequada e pouco se sabe em relação a real quantidade produzida destes resíduos plásticos. O objectivo deste trabalho foi eleborar um modelo de gestão integrada de resíduos plásticos presentes ao longo da Avenida Marginal na Cidade de Maputo. Foi realizado um levantamento dos principais tipos de plásticos encontrados nas praias urbanas, sendo que há maior predominância de sacos plásticos, embalagens de salgadinhos, tampas plásticas e garrafas PET, o que demonstra que os plásticos não são usados de forma adequada a preservação do ecossistema e o ambiente em que nos encontramos. Foi proposto um modelo de gestão integrado de resíduos plásticos de acordo com a realidade de Moçambique.

ABSTRACT Plastic transformation enterprises are of great importance due to their impact on others belonging to strategic sectors. However, the high consumption of electrical energy in the processing of these materials contributes negatively to the environment. The objective of this research is to determine the indirect emissions of greenhouse gases based on carbon dioxide, from the fixed consumption of energy in a plastics factory in the province of Holguín, Cuba. The methods used were the techniques for recording and processing data, direct observation, work with groups of experts and surveys, as well as documents analysis. A procedure based on the Tangram Technology methodology was designed to determine the amount of equivalent carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. The study was carried out in the period between 2020 and 2022. The main results include the following: energy management at the Holguín Plastics Factory was improved based on the identification of energy saving opportunities in administrative areas, departments and attached premises, implementing an action plan that allowed a decrease in the pollutant load to the atmosphere in the analyzed stage.

RESUMEN Las fábricas de transformación de plásticos poseen gran importancia por su incidencia en otras pertenecientes a sectores estratégicos. Sin embargo, el alto consumo de energía eléctrica en el procesamiento de estos materiales, contribuye negativamente al medio ambiente. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar las emisiones indirectas de gases de efecto invernadero en base al dióxido de carbono, a partir del consumo fijo de energía en una fábrica de plásticos de la provincia de Holguín, Cuba. Los métodos utilizados fueron las técnicas para registro y procesamiento de datos, la observación directa, el trabajo con grupos de expertos y encuestas, así como el análisis de documentos. Se diseñó un procedimiento basado en la metodología de Tangram Technology, para determinar la cantidad de dióxido de carbono equivalente que se emite a la atmósfera. El estudio se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre el 2020 al 2022. Como principales resultados, destacan los siguientes: se logró mejorar la gestión energética en la Fábrica Plásticos Holguín a partir de la identificación de oportunidades de ahorro de energía en las áreas administrativas, departamentos y locales anexos, implementando un plan de acción que permitió una disminución de la carga contaminante a la atmósfera en la etapa analizada.

Abstract: The objective of this work is to carry out a comparative analysis of researches related to the determination of physical-mechanical properties of construction units (adobe and bricks) made of soil, soil-cement, and concrete with various reinforcements, to provide an overview of procedures that could lead to the improvement of the performance of these construction units. The percentage variation of compressive, tensile, flexural strength, thermal insulation, density, and water absorption according to the type of reinforcement and base mortar is analyzed. The incorporation of cement as reinforcement seems to have the greatest effect on improving the compressive strength, plastics on thermal insulation, density, and water absorption, and vegetables on tensile strength.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un análisis comparativo de investigaciones relacionadas a la determinación de propiedades físico-mecánicas de unidades de construcción (adobes y ladrillos) hechos de suelo, suelo-cemento y concreto con refuerzos diversos para proveer un panorama sobre procedimientos que conduzcan a la mejora del desempeño de estas unidades de construcción. Se analiza la variación porcentual de resistencia a la compresión, tensión, flexión, aislamiento térmico, densidad y absorción de agua acorde al tipo de refuerzo y mortero base. La incorporación de cemento como refuerzo parece tener el mayor efecto en la mejora de desempeño por resistencia a la compresión, los plásticos al aislamiento térmico, densidad y absorción de agua y los vegetales en resistencia a la tensión.

Microplastics are small plastic materials often defined as those between 5 mm and 0.05 mm in size. Microplastics can have toxicological impacts on various biota, from gut blockages to the transport or leaching of toxicants used in their production or absorbed from the surrounding environment. Although microplastic research has increased significantly, microplastic research in Africa lags behind that of developed countries. South Africa is the African nation with the highest number of microplastic publications. We aimed to determine the current state of microplastic research in South Africa. A total of 46 publications on microplastics in South Africa have been produced. However, many of these publications use methods that might not be accurate in determining holistic descriptions of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Similarly, many ecologically relevant environments and species have not been investigated for microplastics in the country, including any atmospheric or terrestrial environment. We conclude that, although the research being produced in South Africa can be considered adequate, a singular standard method for sampling and assessing microplastics in South African environments is required. The production of such a standard method would be critical to use as a monitoring tool to determine and compare microplastic abundances across the country and globally. SIGNIFICANCE: • More than 40 publications on microplastics have been produced in South Africa. • Microplastics have been discovered in multiple aquatic environments in South Africa, but have not been investigated in atmospheric or terrestrial environments. • Polymer analysis was limited in published research. • A standard method is required for comparing between studies. • Terrestrial and atmospheric microplastic studies are required.

Resumen Actualmente varias industrias de diversa índole han apostado por el uso de Cannabis sativa con diferentes fines, en esta ocasión se resalta la capacidad que tiene la fibra del tallo de cáñamo en conjunto con la bacteria Ralstonia eutropha para la generación de plásticos biodegradables, aprovechando su potencial para la generación de PHB (Polihidroxibutirato). En este artículo de revisión se sustenta el análisis de fuentes como artículos científicos y trabajos de investigación relacionados con la manipulación artesanal e industrial de las fibras de cáñamo, así como también investigaciones previas con respecto a la producción de PHA por parte de la bacteria Ralstonia eutropha. La perspectiva es desarrollar una metodología con recursos de fácil acceso en Colombia. Los resultados arrojan que las investigaciones realizadas recientemente y la materia prima son un buen factor en cuanto economía, manejo y progreso; adicionalmente diferentes estudios evidencian que la yuca se ha reconocido como una gran fuente de carbono que permite aumentar el potencial de producción de PHB por parte de la bacteria. Se concluye que su compostaje no requiera de terceros, solamente del ambiente gracias al poder que posee la Ralstonia eutropha de producir PHB, y que bajo condiciones de estrés fisiológico es capaz de degradarse completamente permitiendo disminuir el impacto de la descomposición del material en el medio ambiente, sin contaminaciones o microplásticos residuales.

Abstract Currently, several industries have opted for the use of Cannabis sativa for different purposes, this time the capacity of the hemp stem fiber in conjunction with the Ralstonia eutropha bacterium for innovation of biodegradable plastics is highlighted, taking advantage of its potential for the generation of PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate). This review article supports the analysis of sources such as scientific articles and research papers related to the artisanal and industrial manipulation of hemp fibers, as well as previous research regarding the production of PHA by the bacteria. The perspective is to develop a methodology with easily accessible resources in Colombia. The results show that the investigations carried out recently and the raw material is a good factor in economy, management, and progress; Additionally, different studies show that cassava is recognized as a great source of carbon that increases the potential for PHB production by the bacteria. It is concluded that its composting does not require third parties. Still, only the environment because of the power that Ralstonia eutropha has to produce PHB and that under conditions of physiological stress, it is capable of degrading, allowing to reduce the impact of the degradation of the material in the environment without contamination or residual microplastics.

Resumen Los polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA), son plásticos biodegradables sintetizados por una gran variedad de microorganismos y se identifican por compartir características muy similares con los plásticos de origen petroquímico. Estos biopolímeros pueden ser aprovechados para reemplazar materiales de plástico, los mismos que actualmente representan un gran problema de contaminación ambiental al ser poco degradables. Los estudios más recientes, se enfocan en la búsqueda de estrategias de extracción de PHA, empleando la biorremediación en plásticos petroquímicos, combustibles, y en tratamiento de aguas que buscan reducir el impacto de la contaminación ambiental. Todo esto se lleva a cabo mediante reacciones químicas, que las bacterias realizan con las fuentes de carbono, generando PHA mientras se eliminan los desechos contaminantes. La biodegradabilidad es la principal ventaja de estos materiales sintetizados por medio de microrganismos, en comparación con los plásticos convencionales que no poseen esta propiedad. El objetivo de esta revisión es evidenciar la producción de polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA), en bacterias como alternativa ante el aumento de la contaminación ambiental.

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable plastics synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms and are identified by sharing very similar characteristics with petrochemical plastics. These biopolymers can be used to replace plastic materials, the same ones that currently represent a major environmental pollution problem as they are poorly degradable. The most recent studies focus on the search for PHA extraction strategies, using bioremediation in petrochemical plastics, fuels, and in water treatment that seek to reduce the impact of environmental pollution. All this is carried out through chemical reactions that bacteria carry out with carbon sources, generating PHA while contaminating waste is eliminated. The main advantage of these compared to petroleum-derived plastics is that being produced by microorganisms. The objective of this review is to show the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates in bacteria as an alternative to the increase in environmental pollution.

Resumen El uso excesivo de plásticos elaborados con base de petróleo crea un grave problema de contaminación ambiental, por tal motivo, en el presente trabajo se propone la elaboración de películas de bioplástico a base de celulosa extraída de hojas y tallos de Ricinus communis L. (higuerilla). El proyecto se llevó a cabo en el año 2022 en el estado de Michoacán, México. El bioplástico se obtuvo en dos etapas, primero se lleva a cabo la extracción de celulosa mediante un tratamiento alcalino a 80 °C, posteriormente, la celulosa obtenida se mezcla con agua, glicerina y ácido acético para la formación de la película de bioplástico mediante el método de casting. Con el procedimiento anterior se obtuvieron películas uniformes con un espesor de 0.12 mm. En cuanto a la resistencia a la tracción se encontró un valor máximo de 7.1 MPa, al incrementar la cantidad de glicerina, aumenta la resistencia a la tensión. Mediante el análisis de microscopia electrónica de barrido, se observó que las películas del bioplástico con un 5% de glicerina exhiben texturas más uniformes y homogéneas. La higuerilla se puede aprovechar no solo para la obtención de aceite sino también para obtener plásticos de fuentes alternas al petróleo, lo que se favorecería su cultivo en Michoacán.

Abstract The excessive use of petroleum-based plastics creates a serious problem of environmental pollution, for this reason, this work proposes the production of bioplastic films based on cellulose extracted from leaves and stems of Ricinus communis L. (castor oil plant). The project was carried out in 2022 in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The bioplastic was obtained in two stages, first the extraction of cellulose is carried out by an alkaline treatment at 80 °C, then, the cellulose obtained is mixed with water, glycerin, and acetic acid for the formation of the bioplastic film by the casting method. With the above procedure, uniform films with a thickness of 0.12 mm were obtained. Regarding the tensile strength, a maximum value of 7.1 MPa was found, as the amount of glycerin increases, the tensile strength increases. Through scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that bioplastic films with 5% glycerin exhibit more uniform and homogeneous textures. The castor oil plant can be used not only to obtain oil but also to obtain plastics from sources alternative to petroleum, which would favor its cultivation in Michoacán.

Le présent article se concentre sur la description du langage technique, en particulier la terminologie de la plasturgie du point de vue diachronique et synchronique, par l'intermédiaire des analyses comparatives réalisées à partir du lexique usité dans les années 1960 et 2010. Nous avons recours aux investigations effectuées à l'aide du logiciel QI Macros, des investigations qui nous ont permis d'obtenir des mesures statistiques pour les structures morphologiques identifiées (syntagmes nominaux SN, verbaux SV et adjectivaux SA) et un classement de termes candidats selon leur productivité (les TC caractérisés par une forte productivité N_S63 < N_S18, les TC caractérisés par symétrie N_S63 = N_S18 et les TC caractérisés par involution N_S63 > N_S18). Nous nous intéressons aussi à la représentation du lexique transdisciplinaire (Jacquey et al. 2018) ainsi qu'au vocabulaire de la plasturgie, notamment les vocabulaires spécifiques pour la physique, la chimie, la gestion de la production et la mécanique.

Our article focuses on the technical language description, particularly, it concentrates on the study of plastic terminology, from a diachronic and synchronic point of view, through the intermediary of a comparative analysis starting from the plastic vocabulary used in the 1960s and 2010s. We have conducted linguistic investigations with the help of the software QI Macros, investigations which helped us obtain statistical measurements for the identified morphological structures (nominal phrases NP, verbal phrases VP and adjectival phrases AP) and a classification for the candidate terms according to productivity criteria (TC with a high productivity N_S63 < N_S18, TC characterized by its symmetry N_S63 = N_S18, as well as TC characterized by its involution N_S63 > N_S18). We have also examined the representation of transdisciplinary vocabulary¹ (Jacquey et al. 2018) within the plastic terminology, especially vocabularies specific for fields such as physics, chemistry, production management and mechanics.

RESUMEN En México existe una tendencia por reformar las legislaciones estatales de gestión de residuos con la intención de frenar la dispersión de plásticos de un sólo uso (P1U) y fomentar la reducción de residuos mediante acciones de corresponsabilidad. Actualmente, 29 de los 32 estados mexicanos establecen en sus leyes la participación de sectores de la sociedad para motivar una gobernanza de los plásticos. Sin embargo, aún no existe un estudio nacional que brinde información sobre la forma en la que se está distribuyendo la responsabilidad dentro de las legislaciones. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar a través de un análisis de redes la diversidad de actores y su inclusión como sectores dentro de la legislación que hasta ahora regula los P1U en México. Los hallazgos de la investigación indican que para frenar la dispersión de P1U el 90 % de las entidades federativas, de acuerdo con su legislación, se apoyan en el sector económico de la distribución y comercialización. Además, a nivel nacional, se observó una subrepresentación de la responsabilidad de los sectores productivo y académico. En este sentido el presente estudio ofrece una propuesta metodológica para visualizar de forma resumida y esquemática la diversidad de actores y sectores en el complejo panorama de la corresponsabilidad para la reducción de P1U. La herramienta de análisis de redes podría ser aprovechada para facilitar la tarea de los tomadores de decisión o para investigaciones que consideren la revisión legislativa cuantitativa.

ABSTRACT In Mexico, there is a growing trend to reform the state waste management legislation to curb the dispersion of single-use plastics (P1U) and encourage waste reduction through co-responsibility actions. Currently, 29 of Mexico’s 32 states establish the participation of society’s sectors to motivate plastics governance in their laws. However, a national study is still needed to provide information on how responsibility is distributed within the legislation. Therefore, through network analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity of actors and their inclusion as sectors within the legislation regulating P1U in Mexico. According to the research findings, Mexican state legislation aimed at reducing the spread of P1U relies primarily on economic measures targeting the distribution and commercialization sectors, accounting for 90% of the overall strategy.; however, the productive and academic sectors are underrepresented. This study presents a methodological proposal to provide a concise and schematic visualization of the diverse actors and sectors involved in the complex responsibility landscape for P1U reduction. The network analysis tool could be used to facilitate the task of decision-makers or for research that considers quantitative legislative review.

ABSTRACT Regular concrete uses a lot of cement, which is bad for the environment. Adding plastic waste to concrete as a substitute reduces pollution, but it can weaken the concrete. This study tackles this problem by creating an eco-friendly concrete alternative. The researchers mixed shredded PET plastic bottles (up to 10%) with concrete and replaced some cement (up to 10%) with nano-silica. They tested how this affected the concrete’s strength in different ways (bending, splitting, and compression). Interestingly, they found that using a specific mix (4% plastic and 4% nano-silica) actually made the concrete stronger! This suggests a promising new way to use recycled plastic to create a more sustainable and even stronger building material. environment pollution ecofriendly eco friendly alternative up 10% 10 nanosilica. nanosilica nano silica. silica nano-silica concretes s bending, bending (bending splitting compression. compression . compression) Interestingly 4 (4 material 1 (

Abstract Fossil-origin plastics have raised great concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Biodegradable polymers can be an alternative for these materials’, however they have higher cost. The use of agro-industrial waste in blends with biopolymers can provide cheaper materials’ with improved properties. This study aims to develop low-cost biodegradable materials by extrusion and thermoplastic injection using oat hulls, polybutylene succinate (PBS), and starch. Six formulations with different concentrations of oat hulls (0-56% w/w) were extruded in a single-screw extruder, and then the materials were produced by thermoplastic injection. The extrusion aligned the oat hull fibers, making the material dimensionally stable. The oat hulls enhanced stiffness and reduced material density compared to non-hull counterparts. Besides that, the oat hulls are a low-cost agro-industrial byproduct, and it was possible to produce biodegradable materials with up to 56% hulls and only 20% PBS. These biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Fossilorigin Fossil origin nonbiodegradable non nature materials, , cost agroindustrial agro industrial properties lowcost low PBS, PBS (PBS) starch 056% 056 0 56 (0-56 w/w ww w singlescrew single screw extruder fibers stable nonhull counterparts that byproduct 20 nontoxic. nontoxic toxic. toxic non-toxic (PBS 05 5 (0-5 2 (0- (0 (