Characterization and usage of tule (Typha domingensis Pers) to obtain cellulose pulp in a biorefinery framework

Abstract

It was proposed that pre-hydrolysing tule (Typha domingensis Pers) would make it possible to produce handsheets with strength-related properties similar to those of conventional commercial paper, in addition to valorizable hemicelluloses. The hypothesis was tested with a biorefining scheme involving autohydrolysis. Conditions were optimized to maximize the extraction of hemicelluloses while preserving glucan integrity. The autohydrolysis at a liquid to solid ratio of 13 at 141 °C for 45 min (optimized conditions) provided a commercially useful liquor containing primarily tule hemicelluloses. The autohydrolysis of tule before alkaline extraction made it possible to obtain a valuable liquid phase comprising between 23.3% and 71.6% of all hemicelluloses in the raw material. The gross heating value for the hydrolyzed tule was increased (1.6% to 7.9 %) with respect the raw material. The solid phase was subjected to soda–anthraquinone pulping. The yield, ethanol extractives, kappa number, viscosity, glucan, xylan, Klason lignin, soluble lignins, as well as the tensile index were evaluated. Tule was found to be amenable to industrial processing for the production of quality cellulose derivatives. Autohydrolysis provided valorizable liquor in addition to solid that yielded soda–anthraquinone pulp having properties similar to those obtained in its absence, but using milder operating conditions.

Delignification and characterization of Tule (Typha Dominguensis) for its potential use in the production of green concrete.

“…There are studies that mention the use of Tule as cattle feed, paper, clothing, household items (basketry, mats, chairs), biofuel, biopolymer and elimination of heavy metals. However, it is necessary to join efforts for its control and reduction [1,4,6]. In this research, the physicochemical properties of the plant are studied in different extraction seasons, as well as the transformation of the fiber after applying an oxidizing chemical treatment to eliminate its soluble sugars and evaluate its potential use in the production of green concrete, since the incorporation of Tule fiber as a partial replacement in some element of the structural concrete mix has not been studied.…”

“…Due to the interest of plant incorporation into the concrete mix, a chemical treatment is required for the soluble sugars elimination [4]. An acid chemical treatment was applied for the soluble sugars elimination.…”