Wheat straw biorefinery for agricultural waste valorisation

Abstract

This study justifies strategies for a new concept of agricultural waste management prior to biorefinery, based on comprehensive materials science investigations. Efficient pretreatments for the extraction, separation and fractionation of agricultural waste in conjunction with understanding of the details of its microstructure and properties can be essential for high-efficiency biorefinery. The information in this study will serve as a valuable and fundamental basis for researchers and industries in the sector of straw biomass biorefinery. In order to achieve the maximum efficiency possible in agricultural waste valorisation, it is crucial to understand that not all parts of the straw are equally valuable and can be treated in the same biorefinery process. In this study, the wheat straw stem, which is composed of nodes and internodes, has been shown to have distinct properties and characteristics. Separation of these anatomical parts before the biorefinery process presents a unique area for future research investment, as it can lead to higher performance of the intended product. For example, the node has higher extractives and ash content, which prove to be a diminishing factor for biocomposite or bioenergy production.