Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Low-Temperature Dilute-Acid Hydrolysis of Cellulose

With the aim of enhancing the conversion of cellulose to glucose by a hydrolysis process, a study was conducted on the effectiveness of irradiating the cellulose prior to subjecting it to hydrolysis. Cellulose, in the form of filter paper, was irradiated with gamma rays and subsequently hydrolyzed in solutions of hydrochloric acid. Combinations from the following conditions: dilute acid (<10% HCl), short hydrolysis times (≤20 h), relatively low temperatures (25 to 90°C) and radiation doses of 2 to 10 Mrad produced cellulose-to-glucose yields of up to 27%. Although these yields are too low to be industrially attractive, the study indicated trends toward cellulose conversion under radiation and hydrolysis conditions that may possibly lie within the range of economic feasibility.