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Current Microwave Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2213-3356
ISSN (Online): 2213-3364

Research Article

Wheat Straw Bio-refining. Part I: Optimization of the Microwave Radiation Process with Sulphuric Acid Pre-treatment

Author(s): Huseyin Demirhan, Ahmad Fauzi, Vassiliki K Skoulou, Stephanie H. Haywood and Sharif H. Zein*

Volume 4, Issue 3, 2017

Page: [205 - 218] Pages: 14

DOI: 10.2174/2213335604666170719113659

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the microwave-assisted acid extraction of lignin from wheat straw.

Methods: Two experimental design methods, the Central Composite Design (CCD) and the Response Surface Method (RSM) methods were used to select conditions and optimise the process. The parameters studied were: the stirring rate, H2SO4 concentration, microwave radiation power and residence time.

Results: The optimum conditions found to achieve the maximum lignin yield (wt%) from wheat straw were: 0.46M H2SO4 under microwave radiation power of 602 W at 65% of stirring rate (3200rpm) and residence time of 39min. These conditions led to a delignification of 78.5% (by weight) of the parent lignin content, which accounted for 11.8wt% on dry biomass basis; this compares to a yield of 3.35wt% for the conventional H2SO4 pre-treatment method under similar conditions.

Conclusion: This work is a first step to demonstrate the potential of innovative microwave methods to overcome the high cost of acid extraction of lignin from biomass waste.

Keywords: Biorefinery, lignin, microwave sulfuric acid extraction, RSM & CCD, wheat straw.

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