Pine sawdust modification using Fenton oxidation for enhanced production of high-yield lignin-containing microfibrillated cellulose

Sawdust is an abundant high-quality residue from sawmills, representing 20–30 % of sawn products by volume. In this study, the chemical pre-treatment pine sawdust with Fenton’s reagent, formed hydrogen peroxide and iron catalyst under moderately acidic conditions, was found to intensify microfibrillation process in terms energy consumption improve grade high-yield lignin-containing microfibrillated cellulose (LMFC) produced. With a minor yield loss 5.5 wt.%, Fenton increased rate bonding potential LMFC, indicating that ultrastructure lignocellulose cell walls had been modified. Linear dependency between growth specific surface area seen, i.e. followed Rittinger’s law comminution. comparison reference without any pretreatment,the total grinding particle size 14 µm about 30 lower (10.7 vs. 15 MWh/t) while tensile strength stiffness LMFC films were 50 (100 66 MPa) 35 higher (6.6 4.9 GPa), respectively. The advantageous effects chemistry assumed originate cleavage lignin-carbohydrate bonds, mainly lignin hemicelluloses. This phenomenon supported substantially solubility polysaccharides dilute alkali. calculated manufacturing costs LMFCs (using above-mentioned specifications) € 850/t, which raw material, electricity accounted for 10 %, 2 88 Without pre-treatment, 1100/t material 7 93 %.