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PLANT BIOMASS
PLANT BIOMASS
Aalto University, Espoo, 2020
Minor studies
Plant biomass course was a continuum for the Chemarts studies to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical processes and methods. We went through lab-work tasks and a series of lectures from professionals working with plant-based raw materials, together with chemistry students.
Photos from the dissolution of cellulose in an ionic liquid lab session: cellulose powder and [Emim][Ac] solution.
Cross section of a wood, dyed with safranin.
Photo from the extraction of bark lab session. Reflux extraction process.
Dissolution of cellulose in an ionic liquid.
Our experiments on dissolving cellulose with ionic liquid were conducted during the dissolution of cellulose in an ionic liquid lab session. Shredded fabrics were used as the cellulose and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][Ac]) was used as the ionic liquid.
Ionic liquid was heated in a 70 °C oven for approximately 10 minutes. Once [Emim][Ac] solutions were heated, various amounts of pre-weighted cellulose powder were added into each beaker. At this point, the cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid. The solution becomes more viscous once cellulose is mixed in.
Microscopy
In the microscopy session, we were given unknown woodblocks which we must attempt to identify the species of the wood by using a microscope. We prepared multiple wood slices in all three directions which are a cross-section, radial section, and a tangential section with a microtome. The wood slices are then dyed with different dyes to unveil the presence of certain substances.
Extraction of bark
Extraction is a process where one or more substrates are separated from a liquid or solid mixture. Liquid solvents can be for example polar (water) or non-polar (acetone). The different substrates dissolve in different polarities. This is why the same solid mixture may have different substrates in different solvents.
We used solid-phase extraction. The extraction with water happened under the reflux and the acetone extraction was happening in a soxhlet column.
Pine bark extract.
Regenerated cellulose.
Ionic liquid applied on a cotton textile.
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