Effect of Particle Size and Moisture Content of Woody Biomass on Its Pulverization and Enzymatic Saccharification

Abstract

Pulverization of woody chip was carried out with a planetary mill, and the effect of particle size and moisture content of wood chips on grindability (pulverized particle size and cellulose crystallinity) in a pulverization process was evaluated. Wood chips were prepared with a cutter mill and sieved into different ranges of particle size. Moisture content of wood chip was controlled at 0–10% in a drier. Enzymic saccharification of pulverized wood was also carried out, and the effect of pre-drying treatment on saccharification ratio was evaluated. Agglomeration of fine particles inhibited the progress of pulverization and cellulose crystal fracture. Cellulose crystallinity of pulverized wood was significantly influenced by the moisture content of woody chip, and cellulose crystals of lower moisture content wood chip was more easily destroyed. Enzymic saccharification ratio was not affected by low temperature pre-drying treatment.