Bagasse Powder Research Articles

Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic parameters determination of biomass fuel powders by differential thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG)

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the two biomass materials (sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks powders) were evaluated using a differential thermo-gravimetric analyzer under a non-isothermal condition. Two distinct reaction zones were observed for the two biomasses. The direct Arrhenius plot method and the integral method were applied for determination of kinetic parameters: activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and order of reaction. The weight loss curve showed that pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks took place mainly in the range of 200–500°C. The activation energy of the sugarcane bagasse powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method ranged between 43 and 53.5kJ/mol. On the other side, the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (77–87.7kJ/mol). The activation energy of the cotton stalks powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method was ranged between 98.5 and 100.2kJ/mol, but the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (72.5–127.8kJ/mol).

Experimental Study on The Adsorption of Malachite Green in Simulated and Real Effluent by Bio-Based Adsorbents

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential use of biomass-based adsorbents, such as sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and neem leaf, for the removal of malachite green from simulated and real effluent. The adsorbents prepared from bagasse are pretreated with formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid to improve the surface properties like porosity and surface area and its reflection on adsorption capacity. Neem leaf was used as an untreated adsorbent to compare the performance with that of treated adsorbents. The adsorption capacity of treated bagasse, sawdust, and untreated neem leaf adsorbent were compared with that of commercial powdered–activated carbon. The effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage and adsorbent surface modification on dye removal was examined for different contact time. It was observed that the adsorption efficiency of phosphoric acid–treated bagasse and neem leaf powder gives higher percentage of dye removal (97%) as compared to sulfuric acid- and formaldehyde-treated adsorbents (89% and 86%). Experiments performed on a real effluent using PSB as the adsorbent indicated a maximum color removal of 79% for an adsorbent dosage of 1 g/100 mL. Also equilibrium studies of the adsorption process were carried out and the adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.

Experimental Study on Calcium Hydroxide-Assisted Delignification of Hydrothermally Treated Sweet Sorghum Bagasse

The hydrothermally treated sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) powder was treated using Ca(OH)2to extract the lignin from it. Changes in chemical composition of SSB and the formation of sugars and hydrolytic products were studied. The optimum conditions of 10% (g/g substrate) Ca(OH)2and 106.3 min of isothermal treatment residence time at 394 K resulted in 69.67 ± 1.26% of the lignin extracted from the hydrothermally treated SSB powder, producing a solid residue containing 68.29 ± 0.31% residual cellulose and 13.26 ± 0.32% residual lignin in it. The Ca(OH)2concentration and isothermal treatment residence time were significant in the responses observed. Treatment using Ca(OH)2is one of the potential processes for the on-farm processing of lignocellulosic materials.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR CELLULASE PRODUCTION BY NOVEL THERMOTOLERANT YEAST

The goal of the present study was to investigate production of cellulase in low cost medium by thermotolerant yeast. After screening, an efficient yeast isolate having capability of C1 (exo-gluconase) and Cx (endo-gluconase) production was isolated and designated as strain R-1. Maximum enzyme production was achieved at 50 °C, pH 5.5 in the medium containing bagasse powder 4% (w/v), and ammonium sulphate 0.1% (w/v) after 72 hours of incubation. The composition containing bagasse powder, 4% (w/v); ammonium sulphate, 0.5 % (w/v); and glucose, 0.5% (w/v) achieved better production after complete medium optimization. The yeast isolate was able to tolerate wide ranges of temperature, pH, and substrate concentration for higher enzyme production. The isolated yeast was able to produce C1 (exo-gluconase) and Cx (endo-gluconase) enzymes in appropriate concentrations on a crude cellulosic substrate. Therefore, yeast may be used to power alcohol production.

Microstructures and Properties of Woodceramics Prepared from Bagasse and Epoxy Resin Composite

A porous biomorphic woodceramic was prepared from bagasse powders infiltrated with the epoxy resin followed by sintering in vacuum. The microstructures and chemical structures of the woodceramics were studied by SEM and FTIR, respectively. The effect of the sintering temperature and content of bagasse on the carbon yield ratio, volume shrinkage ratio, and volume electrical resistivity of the woodceramics were studied. Experimental results show that the pores in woodceramics present the irregular distribution but the main structural features of the tracheidal cell structures are retained. The woodceramic is a carbon material containing C–O–C, C=C, C=O and C–H bonds. The carbon yield ratio of the woodceramics decreases with the increase of the content of bagasse. While the volume shrinkage ratio and volume electrical resistivity increase with the increase of the content of bagasse.

Characterization of sugarcane bagasse powders

Sugarcane bagasse is a promising renewable lignocellulosic feedstock. Hence, proper characterization of bagasse powders is important for the development of novel technologies based on this resource. In this work, bagasse powders are prepared by sieve fractionation followed by cutting milling and rotor milling (which acts by impact, shear, and friction). The generated powders are characterized by techniques commonly applied to other particulate systems, namely scanning electron microscopy, light scattering particle sizing, and nitrogen adsorption. Particle size distribution, envelope density, specific surface areas, and effective cell wall thickness are determined. Results obtained from different techniques are compared. Finally, the applicability of the analytical techniques to sugarcane bagasse powders is discussed.

Injection Molding Preparation and Film Formation Performance of Powders-Modified Polyethylene Biomass Carrier for Aerobic Process

A simple injection molding process was proposed for manufacturing polyethylene (PE) biofilm carrier composited with various powder additives including hydroxyapatite (HAP), starch, bagasse, activated carbon(AC) and magnetic powder(MP) as slow-released nutrients in wastewater biological treatment. The powders were also responsible for improving the hydrophilicity and biomass affinity of the carrier. Pre-attachment between powders and PE particle may achieve great improvement in flow ability of particle-powder mixture during injection molding process. The slow release rate of nutrients (mainly water-soluble starch) from the modified carrier to wastewater can be controlled by the amount of bagasse and activated carbon supplemented in the carrier. The contact angle of a water droplet on the polyethylene surface decreased from 80° to 59° after modification, and the period of biofilm formation on the modified carrier with acclimated sludge reduced from 7 days (on PE carrier without additives) to 4 days. The amount of attached biomass on the modified carrier was also found about twice as that on the common PE carrier. The strength performance test demonstrated the capability of long-term operation for the modified carrier in practical application.

Solid State Fermentation of <i>Aspergillus oryzae</i> for Glucoamylase Production on Agro residues

Glucoamylase is a well recognized amylolytic enzyme used in food industry, which is generally produced by Aspergillus genus under solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study presents production of glucoamylase by Aspergillus oryzae on the solid surface of rice husk, wheat bran, rice bran, cotton seed powder, corn steep solids, bagasse powder, coconut oil cake, and groundnut oil cake as substrates. Optimization of the SSF media and parameters resulted in a 24% increase in the glucoamylase activity. Optimum glucoamylase production (1986 μmoles of glucose produced per minute per gram of dry fermented substrate) was observed on wheat bran supplemented with 1%, (w/w) starch, 0.25%, (w/w) urea at pH 6, 100%, (v/w) initial moisture and 30°C after incubation 120 hrs. Therefore, A. oryzae can be useful in bioprocessing application for saccharification of agro-residues. Keywords: Glucoamylase, Aspergillus oryzae, solid state fermentation, agro residues DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v4i0.2892 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.4 2010 pp.16-25

Substratos alternativos ao xaxim no cultivo do híbrido primário Miltonia regnellii Rchb. f. X Oncidium concolor Hook. (Orchidaceae)

The paper had the purpose of evaluating root formation and vegetative development of the acclimatized plants of the primary hybrid Miltonia regnellii Rchb. f. X Oncidium concolor Hook., using alternative substrates to substitute xaxim. Seedlings, with approximately eight months, obtained by in vitro culture with medium height of 6.4 ± 0.5 cm, were grown up in greenhouse with 60% of shadowness, using pots of polipropilene number one, containing the following substrates as treatments: XD= defibered xaxim (control); PBC= sugar cane bagasse powder; PBC:I= sugar cane bagasse powder: estruted polystyrene (1:1, v:v); PBC:E= sugar cane bagasse powder: sphagnum (1:1, v:v); PBC:PC = sugar cane bagasse powder: husk pinus (1:1, v:v); CP= coconut powder and PBC:PC= coconut powder: sugar cane bagasse powder (1:1, v:v). The experimental design was randomized blocks, with seven treatments, and ten replications. Growing parameters evaluated after 12 months were : height of above ground part (APA), length of the heigher pseudobulb (CMP), diameter of the heigher pseudobulb (DMP), length of the heigher root (CMR), number of roots (NR), number of buds (NB), total fresh mass weight (MFT) and substrate pH. All the studied substrates, except the sugar cane bagasse powder with sphagnum, can be recommended to substitute xaxim on the hybrid Miltonia regnellii Rchb. f. X Oncidium concolor Hook. crop.

Effect of Particle Size and Alkali Treatment of Sugarcane Bagasse on Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of PVC-Bagasse Composites

This article evaluates the use of bagasse flour — a waste generated by sugarcane refinery—as a filler in the PVC matrix. The aim of the study is to develop a value-added product from the sugar mills. For this purpose, bagasse powder was obtained after grinding the dried waste from sugar mills having particle sizes of 100—150 µm and <50 µm. In order to evaluate the effect of filler content and alkali treatment of bagasse, several PVC formulations were obtained by dry-mixing PVC compound with filler of varying particle size. The compounds were obtained by blending on a hot roll mill followed by compression molding. The test specimens were punched out from the sheets and the effect of filler content, particle size, and alkali treatment of bagasse powder on the properties of PVC were evaluated. Tensile strength, percent elongation at break, and impact strength of composites decreased whereas stiffness, modulus, and hardness of the composites increased with increasing amount of filler. The particle size had a large effect on the properties of composites, and the filler having particle size <50 µm gave better properties as compared to filler with particle size of 100—150 µm. Some improvement in properties was observed when treated bagasse powder was used as filler. An increase of ∼48% in tensile modulus, ∼10% in thermal stability, and 14% in impact strength was observed as compared to neat PVC at a filler loading of 30 phr. Morphological characterization was done using a scanning electron microscopy. A uniform dispersion of filler was observed.

Decolorization of Direct Blue GLL with enhanced lignin peroxidase enzyme production in Comamonas sp UVS

AbstractBACKGROUND: The present work aims to study the production of lignin peroxidase (LiP) enzyme by Comamonas sp UVS using various media, and lignocellulosic waste materials, and its effect on decolorization of Direct Blue GLL (DBGLL).RESULTS: Yeast extract medium was found to be more effective for the production of LiP and also for the decolorization of DBGLL. The bagasse powder along with yeast extract induced LiP activity. Comamonas sp UVS decolorized DBGLL dye (50 mg L−1) within 13 h at static condition in YE broth. It could degrade up to 300 mg L−1 of dye within 55 h. The maximum rate (Vmax) of decolorization was 12.41 ± 0.55 mg dye g cell−1 h−1 with the Michaelis constant (Km) value as 6.20 ± 0.27 mg L−1. The biodegradation was monitored by UV‐Vis, GC‐MS and HPLC.CONCLUSION: The use of agricultural by‐products for the activity enhancement of the ligninolytic enzymes is a cost effective process. It also resolves the problem of the disposal of agro‐residues. This system can be applied for the degradation of different recalcitrant compounds. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Vitrocerâmicas porosas do sistema LZSA utilizando resíduos orgânicos como agentes formadores de poros

Nas últimas décadas, tem crescido o uso de cerâmicas porosas em aplicações tecnológicas, tais como filtros, suportes catalíticos, materiais para implantes ósseos e estruturais. Entre os métodos de obtenção de cerâmicas porosas, o de adição do agente formador de poros ao pó cerâmico é amplamente utilizado, devido à sua simplicidade. Visando a um reaproveitamento de resíduos orgânicos e subprodutos vegetais, este trabalho trata sobre a produção de vitrocerâmicas porosas do sistema Li2OZrO 2-SiO2-Al2O3 (LZSA) por meio da adição de bagaço da cana-de-açúcar e de pó de madeira ao pó vítreo, como agentes formadores de poros. A degradação térmica desses agentes, após calcinação/sinterização a 750 graus Celsius (°C), foi estudada por termogravimetria e espectroscopia de infravermelho. na. Avaliou-se a microestrutura dos materiais porosos por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e foram obtidas porosidades na faixa de 49 a 73%.

Bioremediation of Nitrite from Brackishwater Using Lignocellulosic Agricultural Waste – Bagasse

Bagasse is a complex native lignocellulosic agricultural waste left after extraction of juice from sugar cane in sugar mills. Bagasse is commonly used as a captive boiler fuel aside from its minor use as a raw material in the paper industry and in low-value products. There remains an ever present need to convert this material to useful value added products, which is an objective of our continued research. The aim of the present study is to investigate four different materials prepared from bagasse for the removal of nitrite from shrimp farm brackishwater (salinity 27±1 ppt) in laboratory condition. The experimental results showed that nitrite removal is effective using bagasse materials with the dose of 1 and 3 g•L-1. Raw bagasse fiber was found to be most effective followed by dried bagasse powder, which can be attributed to the rapid increase in bacterial counts and periphytic growth combined with ion exchange mechanism. Effect of bagasse materials on other water characteristics such as pH, salinity, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia and phosphates has also been studied. The very low cost of lignocellulosic materials is a real advantage that renders it as a suitable alternative for the remediation of nitrite from aquaculture water.

Activity enhancement of ligninolytic enzymes of Trametes versicolor with bagasse powder

Suspended cultures of white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor , supplemented with bagasse powder showed a concentration dependent enhancement in the ligninolytic enzymes activity in liquid shake cultures. 2% (w/v) bagasse powder improved greater stability to the enzymes. The optimum pH is 3.5 and the optimum temperature is 40°C for maximum lignonolytic enzymatic activity. The optimum shaking speed is 60 rpm for maximum enzymatic activity. The maximum enzymatic activity showed by T. versicolor is 495, 440 and 410 mmol/ml.min for LiP, MnP and laccase with bagasse powder at optimum conditions, respectively. Without bagasse powder at optimum conditions, the maximum enzymatic activity for LiP, MnP and laccase is 195, 150 and 170 mmol/ml.min, respectively. Keywords: Bagasse, enhancement, enzymes, optimum, white-rot fungus

Detoxification of chromium (VI) in coastal water using lignocellulosic agricultural waste

Development of new economically feasible eco-friendly products from natural plants/agricultural wastes for removal of pollutants from coastal aquaculture systems is the objective of our continued research. In the present study, attempts have been made to harness lignocellulosic agricultural waste material (bagasse) for the removal of chromium (VI) from highly saline coastal water used for aquacultural practices using brackish water. Five different products prepared from bagasse were evaluated for the detoxification of Cr(VI) from high saline coastal water. The maximum removal capacity for Cr (VI) was found for the material charred with sulphuric acid. Dried bagasse powder was the second most effective product. These substrates are efficient for Cr removal from coastal water owing to their very low cost.

Evaluation of cyclone gasifier performance for gasification of sugar cane residue—Part 1: gasification of bagasse

A method for avoiding excessive amount of alkali compounds and carryover particles in producer gas from gasification of sugar cane residue has been studied and evaluated. The cane sugar residue is gasified in a two-stage combustor at atmospheric pressure, where the first stage is a cyclone gasifier. The cyclone works as particle separator as well. This paper covers the results obtained for gasification of bagasse. Bagasse powder was injected into the cyclone with air and steam as transport medium. The gasification tests were made with two feeding rates, 39 and 52 kg/ h . Seven experiments were conducted with the equivalence ratio being varied. The heating values of the producer gas are sufficient for stable gas turbine combustion. About 60–70% of the alkali input with fuel was separated from the producer gas in the cyclone. However the total alkali contents of the producer gas was found to be higher than in ABB Stal PFBC gas turbines and at least an order of magnitude higher than what is required by most gas turbine manufacturers for operation of a gas turbine. The carryover particles concentrations in the producer gas were found to be in the range of that for PFBC gas turbines, but higher than what is required by most gas turbine manufacturers for operation of a gas turbine. Samples studied with scanning electronic microscope give indication that most of the carryover particles are below 10 μm in size. Fly ash-melting tests have not shown any major ash melting up to 1200°C, but it was found that some of the particles entrained with producer gas were partially melted. Integrated experiments with a gas turbine need to be done for accurate evaluation of the possibilities to use the producer gas from the gasification of bagasse to run a gas turbine without problems of hard deposits and corrosion on the turbine blades. In part 2 of this two-part paper the results from cane trash gasification tests are reported.