Processes and apparatus for producing nanocellulose, and compositions and products produced therefrom

Abstract

Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and / or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the nanocellulose to form completely renewable composites.

Description

PRIORITY DATA[0001]This patent application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61 / 732,047, filed Nov. 30, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61 / 838,985, filed Jun. 25, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61 / 897,156, filed Oct. 29, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD[0002]The present invention generally relates to nanocellulose and related materials produced by fractionating lignocellulosic biomass and further processing the cellulose fraction.BACKGROUND[0003]Biomass refining (or biorefining) has become more prevalent in industry. Cellulose fibers and sugars, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, syngas, and derivatives of these intermediates are being utilized for chemical and fuel production. Indeed, we now are observing the commercialization of integrated biorefineries that are capable of processing incoming biomass much the same as petroleum refineries now process crude oil. Underutilized ligno...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a process for producing a nanocellulose material with improved crystallinity and a high degree of polymerization. The process involves fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock in the presence of an acid, a solvent for lignin, and water to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose oligomers and lignin. The cellulose-rich solids are then mechanically treated to form cellulose fibrils and / or cellulose crystals, resulting in a nanocellulose material with a crystallinity of at least 70%. The nanocellulose material may also be recovered and further treated with enzymes or acids. The process provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for producing a high-quality nanocellulose material suitable for various applications.

Problems solved by technology

Its moisture sensitivity, its incompatibility with oleophilic polymers, and the high energy consumption needed to produce, for example, NFC have so far prevented it from competing with other mass products such as ordinary paper or plastic.

Although the process may be simple, disadvantages include high energy consumption, damage to fibers and particles due to intense mechanical treatment, and a broad distribution in fibril diameter and length.

Such a technique reduces energy consumption compared to mechanical treatment and can produce more uniform particle sizes, but the process is not regarded as economically viable.

In some embodiments, there is a coating or thin film of lignin on nanocellulose particles, but the coating or film need not be uniform.

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