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Published on: June 10, 2017
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Solubility of Softwood Hemicelluloses
Saina Kishani1,2, Francisco Vilaplana2,3, Wenyang Xu4
1School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Fibre and Polymer Technology , Royal Institute of Technology , Teknikringen 56-58 , SE-10044 Stockholm , Sweden.
Biomacromolecules
|March 10, 2018
Summary
Softwood hemicelluloses solubility depends heavily on fiber processing. Specific extraction and pretreatment methods are crucial for achieving true molecular solubility, even for acetylated galactoglucomannan (AcGGM).
Area of Science:
- Wood Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Biomass Processing
Background:
- Softwood hemicelluloses, particularly acetylated galactoglucomannan (AcGGM), present challenges in achieving molecular solubility.
- Understanding solubility is key for effective utilization in various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the influence of pretreatment, extraction, and processing on softwood hemicellulose molecular solubility.
- To characterize the properties of hemicelluloses extracted from Norway spruce thermomechanical pulps.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of four hemicellulose samples from Norway spruce thermomechanical pulps.
- Characterization of molecular solubility using size and molar mass distributions.
- Morphological studies via high-resolution microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Main Results:
- All extracted samples formed clear aqueous dispersions, but DLS confirmed molecular solubility requires specific methods.
- AcGGM-rich hemicelluloses (21-35 kDa, up to 10 nm diameter) were obtained.
- Water proved a poor solvent, with association detected around 20 g/L, despite clear visual appearance.
Conclusions:
- Fiber pretreatment and extraction significantly impact softwood hemicellulose solubility.
- Careful analytical techniques are necessary to accurately assess hemicellulose solubility due to potential aggregation.
- Optimized processing is essential for unlocking the potential of wood-derived hemicelluloses.
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