Effects of pre-irradiation with X-rays on the liquefaction of sugar cane bagasse

In a search for new energy and chemical feedstocks the pre-irradiation of sugar cane bagasse with X-rays before the conversion process has been studied. Different X-ray doses for the pre-irradiation process were used after which the samples were submitted to a liquefaction process. The product obtained was then submitted to a PLC-8 fractionation. It was verified that pre-irradiation to low doses increases the yield of the liquid product obtained. It was also observed that the product quality can be altered by controlling the irradiation process. An increase in the relative concentrations of hydrocarbons and resins as a function of pre-irradiation suggests the potential use of these fibers as feedstocks.