MEASUREMENT OF FIBER CONVERSION LEVELS IN REDUCING SUGARS FROM HYDROLYZED SUGARCANE BAGASSE WITH ACID CATALYSTS

Resumo

This study aimed at determining the efficiency of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) reduction and conversion to reducing sugars by acid hydrolysis. Two kinds of strong acids as reaction catalysts were used: sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15 M concentrations and hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% concentrations. Different times (30, 45 and 60 minutes) and temperatures (80, 100, 120 °C) were applied. For H₂SO₄, the best hydrolysis was obtained in essay 4 with 60 minutes, at 120 °C and 0.05 mol L^-1 H₂SO₄ concentration with 93.54% conversion to reducing sugars. While for HCl, the best result was observed in essay 4 with 60 minutes, at 120 °C and 0.05% HCl concentration of  94.14%. Hydrolysis with HCl showed the best results, with the lowest levels of fiber and the highest conversion efficiency in reducing sugars. The results were quite important, since it will be possible to use them in future projects, aiming at optimizing the hydrolysis in order to complete the anaerobic digestion process.