The objective of this project, in which the CTFC (Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología Forestal de Cataluña) participates, is to obtain a broad portfolio of high-added value products obtained from lignocellulosic biomass from pine, oak, and chestnut trees using different technologies to contribute to the development of biorefineries in Catalonia and Spain. The aim of the project is to obtain biocomposites from the biomass of different tree species.
The Center of Forest Science and Technology of Catalonia (CTFC) participates in Cebioref, a new project of the Ministry of Science and Innovation for the production of biofuels, fertilizers, bioplastic precursors, and sensors from lignocellulosic biomass; a project that is being developed in the Mediterranean Wood Chemistry Lab of the CTFC.
The objective is to achieve a broad portfolio of high-added-value products obtained from lignocellulosic biomass from pine, oak, and chestnut using different technologies to contribute to the development of biorefineries in Catalonia and Spain. Biorefineries are processing facilities that convert biomass into chemical products, biofuels, and other materials through the use of different technologies. The existence of biorefineries using these lignocellulosic resources is scarce in Europe and Spain. Therefore, research for their development can be strategic, especially if it is based on typically Mediterranean biomass, such as that studied in this project, according to the center.
Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant renewable biomass, is considered one of the main raw materials in the biorefinery concept since its non-edible nature does not compete with food crops. The aim of the project is to obtain biocompounds from the biomass of different tree species. The research team wants to produce platform molecules, such as hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural or chloromethyl furfural. From these and pyrolytic lignin, high-value-added products such as bioplastics and bioadhesives will be obtained for applications in various sectors such as chemicals, wood construction, biofuels, agricultural applications, and pressure and pH sensors.
A life cycle analysis (LCA) and an analysis of the value of the potential customer and the market are also planned, with the aim of creating a map of potential biorefineries to implement this type of technology in Spain. The research, in addition to providing new technical and scientific knowledge to the national and international community, is focused on the transition to a circular economy, climate change mitigation, and pollution prevention and control.
Source: Energías Renovables (2022)