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Title: Investigations for the production of a fermentable feedstock from bagasse using the Purdue cellulose hydrolysis (solvent) system

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5754123· OSTI ID:5754123

The major objective is to isolate the cellulosic bundles imbedded in the lignin, and thereafter hydrolyze the isolated cellulosic bundles of alpha and hemi-celluloses into sugars of mono-hexose and pentose, respectively, without significant destruction of these sugars. Two approaches for obtaining the stated goals may be followed: (1) dissolve the lignin without changing the cellulosic fraction. Separate the dissolved lignin from the fibrous bundles and hydrolyze the residual fiber into mono-sugars; and (2) dissolve the cellulosic fraction without dissolving the lignin. Hydrolyze the dissolved cellulosic fraction without interference of lignin into mono-sugars. Remove the non-hydrolyzed lignin which is insoluble in aqueous acid solutions, and thus separate the lignin fraction from the aqueous solution containing the mono-sugars from hydrolyzing. Research was conducted on approach No. 1 using the hydrotropic solution of sodium benzene sulfonate for dissolving lignin from the matrix. Removal of lignin was carried out with the use of a high-pressure, stainless steel Parr vessel. To accomplish the second task, sulfur trioxide was employed as a catalyst to hydrolyze cellulose into liquid mono-sugars. SO/sub 3/ when introduced into an air stream at ambient temperature will react with fiber particles and coat them at random with a thin layer of formed H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/. Abrading of treated fiber can take place in an extruding screw press. The degree of abrading results in a plasticized end product. Hydrolysis of the abraded fibrous material can take place without further addition of acid catalyst in the presence of steam. 5 figures, 14 tables. (DMC)

Research Organization:
Florida Univ., Gainesville (USA). Dept. of Agronomy
DOE Contract Number:
FG44-80R410169
OSTI ID:
5754123
Report Number(s):
DOE/R4/10169-T1; ON: DE84000752
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English