Techno-Economic Assessment of Peruvian Stipa Ichu Microfibres by Steam Explosion

• Published in: Journal of natural fibers Vol. 20; no. 2
• Main Authors: Ramos Nazario, Victor, Parada Quinayá, Carolina, Alvan, María J., Barreda, Elena Flores
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01-11-2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Acetic acid; Cellulose; Cellulose fibers; Cellulose microfibres; Lignocellulose; Microfibers; pseudolignin kinetics and process design; steam explosion; Steam explosions; Stipa ichu; 假木质素动力学和工艺设计; 纤维素微纤维; 蒸汽爆炸
• ISSN: 1544-0478; 1544-046X
• DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2248388

Steam explosion as a pre-treatment for lignocellulosic fibers is an eco-friendly technology for obtaining cellulose microfibres. This study used a sustainable process design to produce Stipa Ichu (endemic fiber) cellulose microfibres on a pilot scale. Pseudolignin models and experimental data from recent studies were used to validate and simulate the steam explosion in a range of 150 to 220°C using acetic acid concentrations of 0.1 to 0.3 g/g of fiber. A peak yield of 92% was obtained for lignin recovery. The proposed process, which would produce 5 tons of dried cellulose microfibres per year, is economically feasible with an ROI of 48% and a PBP of 2.45 years. Additionally, the process is environmentally viable, with an E-factor of 9.42.