Estudio comparativo de los efectos de las zeolitas y nanoarcillas en la reducción de compuestos odoríferos de alimento balanceado para camarón, presentes en polipropileno rafia post-consumo

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. This research addresses the unpleasant odors in post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PP) from shrimp feed sacks. The objective was to develop raffia-type PP formulations modified with adsorbents to reduce odors while maintaining mechanical properties and processability. Base materials included recycled PP, virgin PP, and LDPE, with MeltFlow+ and VISTAMAXX 8880 as compatibilizers. Adsorbents evaluated were natural zeolite, Cloisite 20A nanoclay, and Odorclear. The methodology involved torque rheometry compounding and characterization via TGA/DSC, XRD, SEM-EDS, and rheological testing. Results showed that Odorclear achieved the highest removal efficiency (66.67%), followed by zeolite thermally treated at 300°C, which increased its adsorption capacity by 50%. Clay (3% and 7%) eliminated odor-associated compounds while enhancing mechanical performance and processability. Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques confirmed the adsorbents' selectivity in removing plastic contaminants. In conclusion, using thermally activated zeolites and nanoclays is an effective technological alternative to improve recycled PP quality for industrial applications. Keywords: Recycled polypropylene, Deodorization, Zeolite, Nanoclay, Adsorption.