Fractionation of Triticale Straw with Pressurized Low Polarity Water
Last modified: 2010-03-03
Abstract
To make biofuels economically feasible, the goal of the biorefinery is to create a wide variety of co-products. Pressurized low polarity water (PLPW) is a green technology that has shown promise in the fractionation and extraction of bioproducts from lignocellulosic feedstock. The PLPW fractionation of triticale straw was optimized to maximize hemicellulose and lignin yield, and to produce a cellulose rich fraction for biofuels production. The optimum processing conditions for hemicellulose yield in PLPW of triticale straw was determined to be 165ºC, 115 mL/min, and 60 mL/g. In general, hemicellulose and lignin yield increased with increasing temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio. There was a small decrease in hemicellulose yield with an increase in flow rate. Minimum lignin content of the triticale straw residue after extraction was determined to occur at 206ºC, 160 mL/min, and 67 mL/g. PLPW was successful in removing 73-78% of the hemicellulose, leaving a cellulose rich fraction (65% glucose concentration). Furfural levels in the extracts should not be inhibitory to fermentation at processing temperatures in PLPW below 170ºC. Most of the hemicellulose was extracted in oligomer form, and secondary hydrolysis would be necessary if the extracted hemicellulose was destined for fermentation.
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