Suitability of agroindustrial residues for cellulose-based materials production

Abstract

The depletion of fossil resources and negative environmental impact related to conventional polymeric materials life cycle have fostered the search for renewable raw materials suitable for their manufacturing. This work aims to present a methodology for the selection of agroindustrial residues with potential to be used as feedstock in cellulose-based materials production. The suitability of main residues identified was calculated taking into consideration their intrinsic characteristics, namely the cellulose content, cellulose-to-lignin ratio and availability. The selection and generation estimates of residues were based on the reality of Portugal’s agriculture sector. The results indicate a range of residues with potential to be used as raw materials. In addition to residues generated in harvest fields, the processing industries can also be considered a potential source of byproducts suitable for the application concerned