Evaluation of chemical additives in hydrothermal pre-treatment of wood for the integrated production of monosugars and hydrolysis lignins for PLA-based biocomposites

Abstract The use of chemical additives (1- and 2-naphthol, formaldehyde) in hydrothermal pre-treatments pine, birch, willow wood was evaluated to minimize lignin condensation reactions consequently improve the saccharification pre-treated materials. residual hydrolysis lignins were then tested preparation polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites. results showed that addition 2-naphthol pre-treatment increased pine by twofold compared water-only experiments, but sugar yield only 50% carbohydrate content pine. formaldehyde also improved somewhat bark-containing wood, while 1-naphthol had no effect on any In birch (without bark), almost complete could be achieved even without additives. Analyses from revealed structural changes caused additives, which consistent with a reduction reactions. Selected successfully used at 20% loading PLA/lignin composites; however, variation mechanical properties among composites prepared different minor. general, decreased strength ductility PLA stiffness. Based these results, may beneficial or other softwoods yields.