Lenzing Young Scientist Award

Room A
Thursday, 09/11/2025, 15:30 - 15:50

The work investigates how prehydrolysis conditions, particularly using a flow-through reactor system, affect the quality of dissolving pulp produced from Eucalyptus globulus hardwood. It emphasizes improvements in hemicellulose removal, reactivity, and final pulp purity compared to batch processes. The research not only focuses on optimizing pulp properties for textile and cellulose derivatives but also explores the recovery and biotechnological potential of XOS and lignin, highlighting their prebiotic effects and pathways for sustainable biomaterial production

Speakers
Andre Cunha (University of Beira Interior)
This presentation lays the groundwork for a PhD focused on integrated biorefinery concepts in the pulp and paper industry. The core of the work is the development, characterization, and optimization of a flow-through prehydrolysis-kraft process to produce high-purity dissolving pulps suitable for use in regenerated cellulose products (like Lyocell and viscose). The research encompasses: Detailed compositional analysis of process streams and pulps. Comparative assessment of batch vs. flow-through reactors for process efficiency and product quality. Recovery and enhancement of valuable byproducts (e.g., XOS for prebiotic and structural applications; lignin for advanced material applications). Proposed biochemical (enzyme-aided) and process engineering optimizations to increase yield, purity, and value of both main and side products. Emphasis on the circular economy and sustainable feedstock use for next-generation cellulose textiles and bio-based chemicals. The study positions itself at the intersection of pulp engineering, biotechnology, and materials science, contributing both fundamental insights and practical pathways for sustainable industrial development