Innovative approaches to bioplastic development: rice bran/PLA blends via extrusion combined with injection molding and 3D printing

Rice bran (RB), a by-product of rice milling, has the potential for bioplastic production. However, due to its complex composition, technological advancements are needed to transform RB into valuable products. Blending RB with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) could improve the properties of bioplastics, enabling their use in various applications and processing techniques like 3D-printing. This study developed RB/PLA blends through extrusion and injection molding, finding that increasing PLA content enhanced the mechanical properties of the materials. Thermal analysis confirmed miscibility, while microscopic analysis showed phase separation but partial compatibility between the by-product and PLA. Samples with 20 and 30 wt% RB were successfully produced using 3D-printing. While their mechanical properties are lower than those produced by injection molding (tensile strength decreased from 29 to 11 MPa), the material's suitability for this technique opens up new possibilities for RB valorization, promoting innovative and sustainable product development.