Accelerating the degradation of green plant waste with chemical decomposition agents

► NaOH, alkaline residue and Na-lignosulfonate are used as the decomposition agents. ► SEM, IR and XRD analysis explain the mechanism of quick decomposition of sawdust. ► Lignin and cellulose reduced and hemicellulose increased after sawdust being treated. ► The agents can break the chemical bond and reduce the relative crystallinity.