Abstract
Abaca fiber remains a vital export product that contributes primarily to the continuous economic growth of the Philippines. However, the voluminous amount of byproducts generated has consistently caused setbacks which often result to major losses to the growing abaca industry in the country. In an attempt to provide a practical solution to the emerging problem, we investigate the utilization of abaca stripping waste (ASW) as a precursor material to produce bioethanol. We test the extent of conversion of the hemicellulose-rich by product to glucose. A box-behnken experimental design was used to obtain the optimal conditions in the conversion process. Alkaline concentration (%), microwave power (W), and microwave time (min) were found to have significant influence on the glucose yield. Actual values of these independent variables were chosen on the basis of preliminary experimental results. Optimum conditions using ridge analysis were found to be: alkaline concentration 2.55%, microwave power 124.0 W, and microwave time at 1.0 min. Conversion to glucose was also performed at optimum conditions. In conclusion, a high glucose yield obtained which is suitable for bioethanol fermentation presents evidence encouraging the utilization of abaca stripping waste to produce high value products.
Highlights
Abaca (Musa textilis) is an indigenous plant in the Philippines known for the commendable mechanical strength of its fibers
It is estimated that with the current global demand for abaca fibers, the export volume of commercial grade abaca in the country will steadily increase by 12% annually reaching 160, 444 metric tons by 2020 [4]
We attempted to demonstrate the potential of abaca stripping waste as precursor material for bioethanol production
Summary
Abaca (Musa textilis) is an indigenous plant in the Philippines known for the commendable mechanical strength of its fibers. Commercial grade abaca fibers are known to have an average density of 1.5 g/cm and an approximate tensile strength of 980 N/mm2 [1]. With these properties, abaca fibers are proven to be durable and highly tensile. Its export volume in the Philippines has considerably grown to about 70, 400 metric tons of abaca fibers in 2016 alone [3]. It is estimated that with the current global demand for abaca fibers, the export volume of commercial grade abaca in the country will steadily increase by 12% annually reaching 160, 444 metric tons by 2020 [4]
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