Preparation of biopolymer from liquefied corn stover

In this study, corn stover was hydrolyzed in acidic conditions and several polymer materials were subsequently prepared. The effectual solvent for the liquefaction process was selected, and the influence of various liquefaction conditions were also investigated. The polyols from the liquefaction were then separated and purified through a series of process, such as dilution, pH adjustment, filtration, evaporation and ozonolysis. Processes for making biopolymers from the liquefied corn stover containing high quantity of bio-polyols were evaluated, such as polyester films, polyurethane foams and particleboards. The film formation was based on the esterification reaction between the hydroxyl groups of the biopolyols and carboxyl groups. The foam was prepared by a reaction of the hydroxyl groups and diisocyanate. Polyesters made from the reaction between bio-polyols and anhydrides are shown to be used for making particleboards.