Biorefining of Pinus pinaster Stump Wood for Ethanol Production and Lignin Recovery

Abstract

Stump wood is a forest residue having significant valorization potential. The aims of this work were to exploit pine stumps as a carbohydrate and lignin feedstock, and to convert the carbohydrate fraction to bioethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Pinus pinaster stump wood (PPSW) was delignified by the alkaline organosolv (AOS) process. Soda (SA) cooking was used as benchmark process. Higher pulp yields were obtained in AOS treatments, whilst SA pulp showed the highest cellulose content. In the SSF of PPSW pulps, high ethanol concentrations were obtained with high productivity and yield. AOS lignins were purer and had lower molar mass and dispersity index, which are important parameters in high‐value co‐product applications.

Elaboration of Thermally Performing Polyurethane Foams, Based on Biopolyols, with Thermal Insulating Applications

“…As seen from the previous table, the raw material employed in the liquefaction process mostly consisted of cellulose and lignin, which was convenient for the latter synthesis of the biopolyol, since they are polyhidroxylated natural polymers. The content of both components was similar to those obtained in other analyses of Pinus radiate that were found in the literature [ 40 , 41 ]. In addition, the number of inorganic compounds that were determined presented a minor value.…”