Reactive extrusion as a sustainable alternative for the processing and valorization of biomass components

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 355; p. 131840
• Main Authors: Guiao, Karelle S., Gupta, Arvind, Tzoganakis, Costas, Mekonnen, Tizazu H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 25.06.2022
• Subjects: biofuels; Biomass; Biomass valorization; Cellulose; cost analysis; energy; extrusion; hemicellulose; industrial applications; Lignin; Lignocellulose; Reactive extrusion; sugars; Lignin; Biomass; Lignocellulose; Reactive extrusion; Biomass valorization; Cellulose
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131840

Various biomass components have attracted interest for their applications in biofuels, biochemicals, and sustainable materials. In biomass valorization, the development of green processes that provide high yield and purity of components at low cost is highly desired. In lignocellulosic biomasses, valuable components include cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, tannins, etc. Other biomasses contain various desirable components, such as pectins, lipids, sugar, etc. Extrusion is considered a promising green process for effectively deconstructing biomasses into their components due to its high shear, continuous, and flexible operations. The process may also involve in situ reactions, known as reactive extrusion. Reactive extrusion is advantageous due to the effective combination of physical and chemical deconstruction phenomena. Its superior shear capabilities also allow for higher solid processing, reducing chemical use and its related costs. Through review of existing literature, the reactive extrusion process has been improved through the adjustment of various processing parameters and the application of other treatment methods. Newer research areas in biomass reactive extrusion processing specifically focus on the application of green solvents. However, challenges still exist regarding the industrial application of reactive extrusion due to a lack of energy and cost analysis. This review critically reviewed the use of reactive extrusion to deconstruct biomass and recover its components. The treatment of lignocellulosic biomass and the subsequent valorization of cellulose and lignin was emphasized. •Reactive extrusion is effective in physically and chemically disrupting biomass.•Extrusion parameters can be controlled and optimized for improved performance.•Reactive extrusion can also be flexibly combined with other pre-treatment processes.•Reactive extrusion is applicable to all biomasses and their valorization.