Improving the value of sugarcane bagasse wastes via integrated chemical production systems: an environmentally friendly approach

Xylitol production by chemical or enzymatic routes generates massive amounts of hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse as a residue. This biomass is a renewable feedstock for the production of added-value chemicals from its lignocellulosic constituents. In this work, chlorine-free, α-cellulose pulp and acetic acid were produced from hydrolyzed bagasse. Soda/AQ and oxidative processes were developed to remove lignin from the biomass. Lignin-rich liquid effluents (mixed black liquors) were converted into acetic acid via wet peroxide oxidation (WPO). Transition metals (Fe, Cu, and Mn) present in the liquor were used as homogeneous catalysts. Experimental results demonstrate the technical feasibility of converting hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse into α-cellulose, chlorine-free pulps, and acetic acid via environmentally friendly integrated processes.