Physico-chemical Characterization during the Preparation of Biomass as Feedstock for Bioenergy and Bioproducts

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Lignocellulosic biomass has many challenges when used as feedstock for bioproducts and bioenergy production. If it were to be used for direct energy production, thermochemical and biochemical conversion, it must be in a form that is cost effective to transport and convert. Furthermore, if it were to be used as feedstock for biochemical conversion, the lignocellulosic matrix has to be broken down into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. This research program will examine the physical and chemical (composition, water adsorption and polarity) properties of biomass from agricultural crop residues and municipal solid waste and their interaction to gain basic understanding of the fate that biomass particles undergo as they are processed and prepared for the production of biomaterials, bioenergy, biofuel and other bioproducts. Biomass particles may be subjected to different pretreatment options by use of microbial, microwave, radio frequency energy, pulsed electric field, steam explosion and torrefaction pretreatments. The pretreatment of biomass from crop residue is also very important for densification so as not to use binders and to have high quality densified products. The processed and pretreated biomass is subjected to densification (pelletization, extrusion and agglomeration) because densified forms are easy and efficient to transport to end users.