An experimental comparison of lignin yield from the Klason and Willstatter extraction methods

• Published in: Energy for sustainable development 2014-12, Vol.23, p.78-84
• Main Authors: Horst, Diogo José, Ramírez Behainne, Jhon Jairo, de Andrade Júnior, Pedro Paulo, Kovaleski, João Luiz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternate fuels; Applied sciences; Biomass; Crops; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrolysis; Klason & Willstatter; Lignin; Natural energy; Renewable energy
• ISSN: 0973-0826
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2014.07.005

This work compares the performance of two lignin extraction methods applied to several crops grown in Brazil and contributes to identify the biomass with more potential for generation of thermal energy from the point of view of its lignin content and properties. A full factorial (22) design involving two particle size distribution (105 to 500μm and 1000 to 2000μm) and two extraction methods (Klason and Wilstatter) were chosen as controlled factors for the tests, including the determination of granulometry, extractives and holocelluloses, higher heating values, and the proximate and ultimate analysis. Results showed that lignins obtained utilizing both methods have elevated higher heating values, suggesting they could generate thermal energy from thermochemical processes, mainly those lignins extracted from the Klason method. Even though the tendency for obtaining more lignin yield by using the Klason extraction method and fine particles was observed for almost all raw material tested, the statistical analysis suggested that for the experimental range studied the extraction method and the particle size distribution do not affect the lignin yields at 95% of confidence level (p-value