Delignification of vineyard pruning residues by alkaline peroxide treatment

Abstract

Vineyard pruning residues were subjected to alkaline peroxide treatment for delignification. Experimental conditions maximizing lignin removal were determined by using Box-Behnken statistical experiment design. NaOH/Biomass, H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>/Biomass and retention time were chosen as independent variables and percent lignin removal was the objective function. Experiments were done at constant Solid/Liquid ratio of 0.1 (w/w) and 135°C. All parameters were found to have significant effect on lignin removal. Complete delignification was obtained in 120min at a NaOH/Biomass ratio of 1.10 and a H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>/Biomass ratio of 0.65. The solid residue consisted of 95% total carbohydrate indicating significant carbohydrate enrichment after complete delignification. © 2015 Elsevier B.V..