Invasive Weed Proves to be Potential Energy Source

With growing concern over the environment, the production of bioethanol from cellulose is gaining more attention as a source of renewable energy. While most of the bioethanol produced around the world is made by fermenting sugar in starches of grains such as corn, sorghum, and barley, and sugar in sugar cane and sugar beets, scientists are looking at alternative cellulose sources. Once such source is an invasive weed called Imperata Cylindrica, commonly known as cogon grass. Native to Asia, this weed can be found on all continents and is considered one of the top ten worst weeds in the world. It could also significantly increase bioethanol production globally.

Ai Hasanah of IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University will highlight the economic benefits of using this common weed as a source of cellulose during TAPPI’s 2023 International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference (IBBC). His presentation, Imperata Cylindric: A New Bioethanol Potential with Hydrolysis of β-1,4 Glycosidic Binding and Fractional Distillation as a Futuristic Green Energy, is part of IBBC’s Biomass Preprocessing and Conversion session. In addition to the weed’s biofuel capabilities, attendees will learn about a pretreatment method that efficiently creates accessible pathways to enzymes for the production of fermentable sugars.

Additional session presentations include:

• Experimental Analysis of the Pyrolysis Dynamics of a Single Wood Particle ‐  Presentation of the Radiographic Technique – Paweł Kazimierski, Instytut Maszyn Przeplywowych
• Assessing the Environmental and Economic Impacts of Wood Pellet Industry Through Land Use Change in Georgia, United States – Omid Karami, Purdue University
• Optimization of Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester (FAEE) Yield of Biodiesel produced from Sunflower Oil and Palm Oil Using Rhizopus Oryzae as Whole‐cell Biocatalyst – Samuel Okon‐Edem, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.

IBBC 2023
IBBC’s peer-reviewed technical program focused on key areas associated with biomass. Developed by industry professionals, the sessions are expert-led and include high-level discussions on industry trends, new technologies and advancements. The technical program includes the following sessions:

• Advances in Biofuels and Bioproducts Research
• Biomass Processing and Pretreatment
• Biomass Preprocessing and Conversion
• Sustainable Bio‐economy‐Waste Processing
• Big Data Analysis and Reliability 

View technical program

The Conference also offers multiple networking events, a New Technology Showcase, and an exhibit floor where attendees can speak with suppliers about the latest technologies and solutions. In addition, attendees are invited to participate in the 39th Annual PaperChase Fun Run/Walk on Tuesday, November 7. This popular event features a 5k run/1.2 mile walk with prizes being awarded to the top men and women finishers in the 5k run. Proceeds from the event benefit the TAPPI Engineering Scholarship Fund.

Attendees will also enjoy the Poster Session on Tuesday, November 7. This session highlights research projects of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as industry professionals. Topics range from advancements in the biomass and bioenergy industries to recent developments in pulping, recycling and sustainability.

Industry professionals and students who would like to participate in the poster session should submit their abstract by August 21, 2023 to Pat Stiede, TAPPI Speaker Relations Manager. Students can also participate in the Student Poster Competition and compete for cash prizes.

IBBC 2023 is co-located with TAPPI’s Pulping, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability (PEERS) Conference. Attendees can attend both technical programs for only one registration fee. Mills receive special discount pricing.

To register or for more information, visit tappi-ibbc.org.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/