@article { , title = {Wheat Straw Bio-refining. Part I: Optimization of the Microwave Radiation Process with Sulphuric Acid Pre-treatment}, abstract = {Background: This study investigates the microwave-assisted acid extraction of lignin from wheat straw. Methods: Two experimental design methods, the Central Composite Design (CCD) and the Response Surface Method (RSM) methods were used to select conditions and optimise the process. The parameters studied were: the stirring rate, H2SO4 concentration, microwave radiation power and residence time. Results: The optimum conditions found to achieve the maximum lignin yield (wt\%) from wheat straw were: 0.46M H2SO4 under microwave radiation power of 602 W at 65\% of stirring rate (3200rpm) and residence time of 39min. These conditions led to a delignification of 78.5\% (by weight) of the parent lignin content, which accounted for 11.8wt\% on dry biomass basis; this compares to a yield of 3.35wt\% for the conventional H2SO4 pre-treatment method under similar conditions. Conclusion: This work is a first step to demonstrate the potential of innovative microwave methods to overcome the high cost of acid extraction of lignin from biomass waste.}, doi = {10.2174/2213335604666170719113659}, issn = {2213-3356}, issue = {3}, pages = {205-218}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Bentham Science Publishers}, url = {https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/488191}, volume = {4}, keyword = {Specialist Research - Other, Biorefinery, lignin, microwave sulfuric acid extraction, RSM & CCD, wheat straw.}, year = {2017}, author = {Demirhan, Huseyin and Fauzi, Ahmad and Skoulou, Vassiliki and Haywood, Stephanie and Zein, Sharif H.} }