STEAM EXPLOSION TREATMENT OF TWO MALAYSIAN HARDWOODS

Abstract

Steam explosion under various steam pressures and reaction times was found to enhance the enzymatic susceptibility of Acacia mangium and Hevea brasiliensis (rubberwood) in spite of the presence of lignin. The pretreatment also caused the degradation of hemicellulose and rendered it water-soluble. Depending on the starting material, 9 to 17% water solubles containing mainly hemicellulose with xylose contents up to 97% after acid hydrolysis could be recovered from the exploded material.