Abstract
Biorefineries of lignocellulosic materials have the potential as environmentally sustainable alternatives for the production of biofuels and other materials of interest to the transportation infrastructure sector. In Brazil, due to the importance of the sugarcane industry, sugarcane bagasse and straw are abundant lignocellulosic materials with high potential for contributing as a carbon and energy source for various applications. However, for their viability, biorefineries require the complete utilization of raw materials. Thus, in the present project, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research groups will work together to generate scientific, technological, and innovative knowledge applicable to the national transportation sector. The theme emerged from extensive team discussions regarding its significance to society. Specifically, the comprehensive utilization of sugarcane bagasse and straw for the production of biofuels and materials relevant to the transportation sector through biochemical and thermochemical routes is proposed. This central thematic axis will facilitate the development of technically, economically, and environmentally viable processes for the production of biofuels such as ethanol and biogas, as well as biobinders and biocarbon for application in the transportation infrastructure sector. The project is divided into four main thematic lines: i. carbohydrate bioconversion; ii. lignin thermoconversion; iii. materials for transportation infrastructure; iv. economic and environmental sustainability. These lines are planned to be developed in an integrated and synergistic manner among the involved research groups. The biochemical routes will focus on utilizing the carbohydrate fractions of the materials for ethanol and biogas production, while the thermochemical routes will focus on using lignin for bio-oil and biocarbon production. The biomass pretreatments will be tailored to each evaluated route and material under study. Additionally, from the project's inception, economic and environmental feasibility assessments will be conducted using process simulation tools, enabling the identification of technological barriers and guiding research toward achieving internationally significant scientific results and innovative technology applicable to the national production sector. (AU)
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