3D imaging of sugarcane bagasse using X-ray microtomography

X-ray microtomography (XMT) provides new possibilities for microstructural characterization of lignocellulosic materials. The present article explores XMT application to characterize raw and treated sugarcane bagasse. Tridimensional images are presented, showing sugarcane anatomical features as well as particle damages due to sugarcane crushing. One major advantage of XMT is its non-invasiveness, making this technique unique for unambiguous characterization of intraparticle morphology. Finally, bagasse morphological changes due to dilute acid treatment and alkali delignification are discussed based on tridimensional images.