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US 5,705,216 AGranted
Production of hydrophobic fibers
OwnerGeorge J. Tysoninventor
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Abstract
A woody or non-woody biomass is delignified through continuous extrusion technology, utilizing high-pressure steam to break down complex biomass materials. The process is useful to form a hydrophobic fiber material for use as an extrusion filler, a plastics modifier, and in the papermaking arts. Alternatively, the process is useful for preparing dietary feeds for ruminant animals, as well as to produce a broad range of alcohols or polymers from lignocellulosic substrates.
Claims12
A process for continuously treating lignocellulosic biomass consisting essentially of:
- a. reacting the lignocellulosic biomass in a reaction medium including an aqueous solution of about pH 10.5 to 12.5 to yield an alkaline mix;
- b. continuously feeding the mix of step a) into an extruder reactor at a temperature between about 150.degree. F. and 350.degree. F.;
- c. injecting steam into the extruder reactor at a pressure of from about 50 pounds per square inch to 250 pounds per square inch;
- d. extruding the mix of step a) in the absence of hydrogen peroxide to form an extrudate;
- and
- e. disaggregating and drying the extrudate to yield a modified lignocellulosic material.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.