Molecular Weight Distribution for Hemicellulose in Biorefinery

Hemicellulose - Important Rawmaterial

Hemicellulose is a crucial raw material for both current and future products in biorefining. This component, found in plant cell walls, can be extracted and refined into various hemicellulosic fractions, such as glucomannan and xylan. These hemicellulosic fractions are highly versatile and can be utilized in various industrial applications.

To optimize the extraction and refinement of hemicellulose, it is of utmost importance to understand how different process steps affect the breakdown of hemicellulose and how various process parameters can be adjusted to achieve desired outcomes. This involves identifying conditions that favor the extraction and conversion of hemicellulose into desired products.

The analysis of hemicellulose is not straightforward, but it provides crucial information for process optimization and product development. By using advanced analytical methods, it is possible to achieve high resolution, allowing differentiation between various components such as pentoses, hexoses, dimers, and trimers in some samples. This detailed characterization provides insights into the composition and structure of hemicellulose.

It is important to note that the method used to analyze hemicellulose is typically qualitative. This means that it provides an overview of molecular weights and composition, but it does not provide exact quantitative values for the amount of hemicellulose. Quantitative data requires the analysis of samples using ion chromatography.

RISE has developed methods for analyzing both monomeric and polymeric carbohydrates, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the properties of hemicellulose and its role in various processes and applications within biorefining and other industrial sectors. These analyses are crucial for ensuring efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the production of hemicellulose-based products.

Methods, Instruments and Expertise

The method used is based on Size Exclusion Chromatography - Pulsed Amperometric Detection (SEC-PAD). It is an analytical method used to separate molecules based on their size, providing an indication of their molecular weight. In this method, the sample passes through a column where molecules are separated based on their size. Larger molecules have more difficulty passing through the pores of the column and therefore take longer to elute, while smaller molecules move faster and elute more quickly.

To determine the molecular weight of the sample, its retention time in the column is compared with retention times for standards of known molecular weight. Through this comparison, the molecular weight of the sample can be calculated.

It is important to note that this method provides an estimation of molecular weight and that there may be variations depending on factors such as the composition of the sample and experimental conditions.

Since the setup of the analysis can be time-consuming and the column may need conditioning before use, it is advantageous to send multiple samples simultaneously to streamline the process and maximize the utilization of the instrument.

Expertise:

RISE has profound expertise in cellulose, encompassing both process-related issues and material handling. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes used to process cellulose as well as knowledge about the various materials and their properties.

Delivery

RISE offers a report that includes data in Excel format and relevant images and diagrams. It is carefully compiled using standard methods for the conducted analyses. The report also includes an assessment of measurement uncertainty to ensure the reliability of the presented results. All relevant parameters significant to the specific analysis are included to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation. Additionally, detailed comments and explanations are provided to offer further insight and understanding of the presented data.