CORN RESIDUES PRODUCTS

摘要

In this paper, we present a two-step treatment using conventional pulp and paper equipment for agricultural residues to produce a stream of cellulose, a stream of hemicelluloses and a stream of lignin. The role of the different processing parameters (cooking time, temperature, pH, liquor to wood ratio, chemical concentration, etc.) is discussed in detail. Pulp and paper equipment could be part of future agricultural biorefineries with some changes or minor adjustments. The first step of the treatment is a hydrothermal process to separate and isolate the hemicellulose fraction from other components of the agricultural biomass (corn residues). Hemicelluloses can be transformed into usable on-site products. The agricultural industry has a great interest to transform the hemicelluloses in lactic acid for the feeding of animals (pigs). Hemicelluloses can be converted into other products of value (furfural, C5 sugars, etc.). The second step of the treatment is the purification of cellulose by cooking process using digester or twin screw extruders. The resulting cellulose can be used for the manufacture of papers or to produce cellulosic sugars (bio-fuel). The lignin stream can be valued in the production of energy on-site or used for the manufacture of phenolic resins to obtain more efficient and environmentally compatible materials. Innofibre is working on the development of new products using the expertise and methods traditionally used by the pulp and paper industry. These new products are aimed at a greater use of the agroforestry resource and full recovery of the lignocellulosic material. Small scale processes are targeted to suit the needs of community or cooperatives organizations.