Nitric acid-potassium hydroxide fractionation of rice straw: an integrated biorefinery initiative

Abstract Pulping of rice straw was studied using mild nitric acid in conditions. Spent chosen as soil nutrient rather than followed by the liquor recovery. The treated with 11.03% at 90 °C for 3 h, yielded 53.09% pulp. Nitric pulp had high residual lignin and minerals. However, further treatment 7% potassium hydroxide reduced produced kappa number 20.36. papermaking properties KOH showed better quality spent reused repeatedly, yield decreased content increased each step reusing. liquor-mixed together to get a neutral effluent which rich potassium, nitrogen biomass. nutritional capacity assessed incubation control soil. labile form organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous iron incubated