The scientific goal of this study is to carry out industrial interdisciplinary research not related to economic activity and which will combine the chemical engineering and material science sectors and will promote the transfer of knowledge and the development of a new biorefinery process concept for the processing of birch wood in 2-furaldehyde, acetic acid and, at the same time, preserving the lignocellulose residue so that it could be used in pulp production. This would show that these two different technological processes can be combined into one biorefinery technology chain that has not been possible so far.

Main activities of the project: 

1. Catalyzed pretreatment of birch wood with a focus on pentoses conversion to 2-furaldehyde and acetic acid;
2. Pulping of the LC leftover by the thermomechanical (TMP) and Alcaline peroxide mechanical (APMP) pulping process;
3. Sulfate pulping of the LC leftover.

Scientific consultants: Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs, Dr.Habil.chem. Nikolajs Vedernikovs and  Dr.sc.ing. Vladimirs Biziks

Project duration: 36 months.

Total eligible costs of the Project account for 133,805.88 EUR, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund in amount of 85 % – 113,734.99 EUR.