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From bagasse to biochemicals: The potential of furfural and furfuryl alcohol

Date:11 April 2024

Plant Name:

    Sugarcane

Residue Name:

    Process waste/Secondary residue

End Products

Biochemicals

Furfural,Furfuryl

Application

  • Used as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals also used as a solvent and resin in foundries and coatings industry

Description

This project explores the potential of furfural and furfuryl alcohol as bio-based platform chemicals derived from agricultural waste like bagasse. These chemicals offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, with applications across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, resins, and fuels. The project highlights the production process, economic viability, and global market growth. Ongoing research focuses on improving production efficiency and expanding their applications in green chemistry and bioplastics.

Pathway Description:

The project describes the process of producing furfural from agricultural waste, like bagasse, through acid hydrolysis. First, hemicellulose is broken down into simpler sugars, primarily xylose, using a diluted acid solution. The xylose is then dehydrated to form furfural, which is purified through distillation. Furfuryl alcohol is produced by hydrogenating furfural, making it a valuable derivative for various industrial applications.

 

 

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Tags: Sugarcane Bagasse UtilizationFurfuryl Alcohol From BagasseFurfural Alcohol From Bagasse

End Products

Biochemicals

Furfural,Furfuryl

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Secondary agricultural residue

Name

Sugarcane bagasse

Form

Solid biomass

Commercials

Widely available in sugar-producing regions; low-cost feedstock

Logistics

Readily transportable from sugar mills; storage considerations for large-scale use

Characteristics

High hemicellulose content

Pathways

Chemical

Acid hydrolysis

Thermal

Dehydration