Chemical characteristics and enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass treated using high-temperature saturated steam: Comparison of softwood and hardwood

•High temperature saturated steam treatment of cedar and beech was evaluated.•Steam treatment followed by milling treatment improved enzymatic saccharification.•Saccharification rate of steam-treated beech with milling treatment was 94%.•Necessity of milling treatment after steam treatment is dependent on wood species.

This study investigated the effect of high-temperature saturated steam treatments on the chemical characteristics and enzymatic saccharification of softwood and hardwood. The weight loss and chemical modification of cedar and beech wood pieces treated at 25, 35, and 45 atm for 5 min were determined. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that solubilization and removal of hemicellulose and lignin occurred by the steam treatment. The milling treatment of steam-treated wood enhanced its enzymatic saccharification. Maximum enzymatic saccharification (i.e., 94% saccharification rate of cellulose) was obtained using steam-treated beech at 35 atm for 5 min followed by milling treatment for 1 min. However, the necessity of the milling treatment for efficient enzymatic saccharification is dependent on the wood species.