Characterization of Biomass Residues Aiming Energy and by-Products Generation

Abstract

Rice husk and banana pseudostem are potential residues to be used as feedstock in biorefineries in order to obtain products and energy from biomass. This work presents some of their important properties and characteristics in order to provide a discussion of their use and adequacy for different process such as combustion, biodigestion, pyrolysis or to produce materials such as biosilica, biopolyol and lignocellulosicfiber. Rice husk (RH) and banana pseudostem (BP) were characterized through physicochemical analyses determining the following parameters: organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (TNK), proximate analyses, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TG) and higher heating value (HHV). They were also submitted to biosilica extraction and liquefaction to obtain biopolyol. The chemical characteristics and the thermal behavior presented by the semi-dried samples indicate that there is a great potential of these residues to be used in combustion and pyrolysis processes. Also, the high C / N ratio turns RH and BP suitable co-substrates to be used in anaerobic digestion. Biosilica extraction was possible in both residues, but RH showed a higher result (12.7%) compared to the BP (2.1%). The liquefaction of the residues presented high yield (˜ 70%) and biopolyols presented hydroxyl number compatible with the production of polyurethane foams.