Liquefaction of dry leaves

Degradation and decomposition were studied in an acid catalyzed solvolysis
treatment of biomass using ethylene carbonate and ethylene glycol as novel liquefYing
reagents in order to establish a rapid liquefaction technique converting lignocellulosic
waste into useful chemical. The solvolysis reaction was followed by a typical reaction
system of dry leaves liquefaction that uses sulfuric acid catalyst at elevated temperature
(80-200 °C) and reaction time (60-200 mins). The degraded cellulose in the solvolyzed
product is discussed. The rate of the EC-liquefaction of cellulose was approximately 2
times faster than glycol. The effect of reaction temperature also plays a big role in
liquefaction process. Optimum temperature will give the highest percentage yield. EC
promotes faster conversions of the reaction. GC-MS revealed that EC and EG
liquefaction products from cellulose include carboxylic acid such as butyric acid,
succinic acid and lactic acid. The degradation and decomposition of cellulose is proven
in FTIR where the hemicellulose peak is decreasing while carboxylic acid peak is
increasing. The density and viscosity were measured and the results are the same with
current bio oil in the literature review.