K. Ojeda-Delgado ¹, M. Garcia-Giraldo ¹, M. A. Avila-Medina ¹

Affiliations
1 Chemical Engineering Department, Process Design and Biomass Utilization Research Group (IDAB), University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Bolívar, CO

Abstract

Objectives: The current research uses stems and leaves from corn stover for the application of urea pretreatment, in order to evaluate the most favorable conditions for the obtention of reducing sugars. Methods: Biomass particles with sizes of 0.5 and 2.0 mm were subjected to urea pretreatment (2.0 %w/v and 5.0 %w/v). Quantification of reducing sugars was performed using the DNS method and a calibration curve. Findings: The maximum value of total reducing sugars for the stems fraction (35.76 g/L) was reported when the particle size and the urea concentration were 0.5 mm and 5.0 %w/v, respectively. Corn stover leaves fraction obtained its highest result (59.65 g/L) using 0.5 mm particles size and 2.0 %w/v urea. Application/Improvements: This research contributes to the studies about urea pretreatment and its effect in different corn stover fractions.

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