Abstract:
The present invention provides, among other things, methods including the steps of providing a cellulosic biomass, associating the cellulosic biomass with an organic liquid to form a mixture, treating the mixture to reduce the moisture content of the mixture to 30% or below (if necessary), and processing the mixture to produce cellulose nanofibrils in a slurry. In some embodiments, provided methods allow for the production of high solids content slurries containing 4% or more cellulosic nanofibrils.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, among other things, methods including the steps of providing a cellulosic biomass, associating the cellulosic biomass with an organic liquid to form a mixture, treating the mixture to reduce the moisture content of the mixture to 30% or below (if necessary), and processing the mixture to produce cellulose nanofibrils in a slurry. In some embodiments, provided methods allow for the production of high solids content slurries containing 4% or more cellulosic nanofibrils.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, among other things, methods including providing a biomass comprising lignin, associating the biomass with between 1-50 g/L formic acid at a temperature between 80° C. and 230° C. for at least 30 seconds to form an extraction liquor and an extraction solid, and separating at least a fraction of the extraction liquor from the extraction solid, wherein an amount of lignin equal to or less than 1.6% of the lignin present in the biomass precipitates in the extraction liquor after cooling to below 100° C.