Effect of Ionic Liquids on Oil Palm Biomass Fiber Dissolution

• Main Authors: Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Zati Ismah Ishak, Khairulazhar Jumbri, Astimar Abdul Aziz, Mahiran Basri, Abu Bakar Salleh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: North Carolina State University 2016-07-01
• Series: BioResources
• Subjects: Dissolution; Biomass; Empty fruit bunch; Ionic liquids; Oil palm fronds; Oil palm trunk
• Online Access: http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BioRes/article/view/BioRes_11_3_7172_Abdul_Rahman_Ionic_Liquids_Oil_Palm_Biomass

Ionic liquids (ILs) were used in the dissolution of oil palm biomass, primarily empty fruit bunches (EFB), oil palm fronds (OPF), and oil palm trunks (OPT). These ILs acted as alternative solvents that could dissolve biopolymer molecules up to 5 wt.%. The IL, [emim][OAc] was the best solvent, dissolving EFB, OPF, and OPT of 99%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, at 100 ⁰C and 16 h. The lignin content of the regenerated oil palm solids for all biomass was quantified and showed significant reduction up to 35%; fiber length was also reduced as the heating time increased after IL dissolution. Also, the effect of ILs on the different parts of oil palm biomass fibers was thoroughly studied. The lignin content was quantified.