Production of biomaterials from cork: Liquefaction in polyhydric alcohols at moderate temperatures
Title | Production of biomaterials from cork: Liquefaction in polyhydric alcohols at moderate temperatures |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Yona, A. Maxime Che, Budija F., Kričej B., Kutnar A., Pavlič M., Pori P., Tavzes Č., & Petrič M. |
Journal | Industrial Crops and Products |
Volume | 54 |
Pagination | 296-301 |
Keywords | Cork, Glycerol, Liquefaction, Polyethylene glycol, suberin |
Abstract | The aim of this study was to develop polymers in a liquid solution, from renewable bio-resources, usable as intermediate materials in the preparation of plastics, adhesives or coatings. The liquefaction of cork with glycerol was investigated at 150◦C, 180◦C, and 200◦C under acidic (sulphuric acid) or alkaline conditions (sodium hydroxide). Cork appears as a two-component material, containing suberin and lig- nocelluloses. In the presence of sulphuric acid, only the liquefaction of the lignocellulosic components was achieved, leading to liquefaction yield of less than 47% at all investigated conditions. The inverse phenomenon was observed with sodium hydroxide. Suberin was almost completely liquefied, but an increase of temperature and/or sodium hydroxide content was necessary to improve the liquefaction of lignocelluloses. Addition of polyethylene glycol to glycerol to a certain extent caused the conversion of suberin under acid conditions leading to liquefaction yield up to 93%. Therefore, it was demonstrated that it is possible to use cork dust, a less valuable by-product, for the production of various basic chemicals and/or polymers with a high added value |