Examination of changes in the morphology of lignocellulosic fibers treated with e-beam irradiation

Abstract

Ionizing radiation was applied as a substrate pretreatment method in the process of bioethanol production. The aim of the presented work was to determine the changes in the morphology of willow plant fibers caused by the interaction of a high energy electron beam with lignocellulosic biomass. The microstructure was examined with a scanning electron microscope and X-ray computer microtomography. Additionally, sorption analysis was carried out in order to determine specific surface area and porosity. The analysis carried out after the treatment of lignocellulose with an electron beam indicated destruction of cell walls, observed as a decrease in the smoothness and an increase in the roughness of the surface of the fibers. The changes in surface texture and fiber integrity affected the specific surface area and porosity of the tested samples. The specific surface area, the total volume of pores and the average pore diameter were calculated based on the isotherms of nitrogen sorption. The increase in the specific surface area was observed to occur simultaneously with the increase in the average diameter of pores.