Matjaz Kunaver
National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia \ Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies, Slovenia
Edita Jasiukaityte
National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia \ Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies, Slovenia
Natasa Cuk
National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Sergej Medved
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Samuel Rodman Opresnik
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tomaz Katrasnik
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp11057239Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:32, p. 239-246
Published: 2011-11-03
ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
Agricultural crop residues; such as straw; corn stover and wood wastes such as leftovers from timber cutting; broken furniture; sawdust; residues from paper mills etc. contain appreciable quantities of cellulose; hemicelluloses and lignin. Much effort has been devoted to convert these types of biomass into useful industrial and commercially viable products.
During liquefaction; lignocellulosic components are depolymerised to low molecular mass compounds with high reactivity and high hydroxyl group content. We have used a high energy ultrasound as an energy source to speed up the liquefaction process in our research. The liquefied biomass was used as a feedstock in synthesis of polyesters; polyurethane foams and adhesives. Adhesives for the wood particle boards with incorporated liquefied lignocellulosic materials emit less formaldehyde and products have the same or even better mechanical and physical properties.
A special attention was given to the utilization of the liquefied lignocellulosic materials as a new energy source with high heating value. It was found that the combustion efficiency of lignocellulosic liquid fuel is comparable to the combustion efficiency of Diesel fuel although it has much higher content of cyclic hydrocarbons. The emissions are within the range of the European emission regulations.
The utilization of liquefied lignocellulosic materials can at least partially reduce the crude oil consumption; thus increasing the use of the renewable resources in large extent.
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