Green Chemistry of Micro-and Nanoparticles of Plant Biomass
Michael Ioelovich *
Polymate-INRC, P.O.B 73, Migdal HaEmek 2310001, Israel
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Some green technologies of biomass processing such as the production of micro-size composites of biomass, microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose have been explored in this study. Sizes of particles, crystallinity and degree of polymerization of cellulose, as well as yield of micro- and nanoproducts and their production cost were studied. Basic principles of green chemistry were implemented using plant biomass as a renewable natural-based raw material. Liquid and solid production wastes were converted into valuable by-products, the sale of which can cover part of production expenses of primary products. Furthermore, used water was recycled and returned to the production line. As a result, various micro- and nanoproducts were obtained from plant biomass without discharge of production waste into the environment. It has also been shown that the production cost of micro- and nanoproducts can be reduced to a great extent.
Keywords: Micro-size composites of biomass, microcrystalline cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, zero waste discharge, green chemical technology