AVALIAÇÃO DO BAGAÇO DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR COMO MATÉRIA-PRIMA PARA A PRODUÇÃO DE BIOETANOL ASSOCIADO A PRÉ-TRATAMENTOS QUÍMICOS E RADIAÇÃO DE MICRO-ONDAS

Abstract

These research aims to investigate the association of radiation microwave and acid and alkali attacks on the lignocellulosic material (cane sugar bagasse), promoting the increase in available cellulose and enhancing the release of fermentable sugars, aiming the production of second generation ethanol fuel. This biomass was chosen due to the large cane sugar production in the region and to some interesting aspects, such as its high energy potential and low lignin content, and the fact that do not compete with food production. The composition of the substrate was determined, as described, affording the levels of extractables, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose. Due to the complexity in the formation of its structure, the pre-treatment is a fundamental step in the bioconversion process, because it should disrupt the structure of the biomass, remove structural and compositional barriers making it more accessible and, easier for cellulolytic enzymes, therefore, new technologies have been developed to overcome these barriers. Among them are several pre-treatments such as steam explosion, explosion with ammonia, microwave and dilute acids. There is currently a large search of procedures for the hydrolysis of bagasse fermentable sugars, which are of low cost and avoiding the formation of toxic compounds for subsequent fermentation.