STUDY OF THE CHEMICAL AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT STRAW AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE

Currently, a significant portion of non-wood plant materials, particularly agricultural waste, is not effectively utilized and is primarily left in fields or disposed of through incineration, resulting in significant negative environmental impacts. The problem of agricultural waste recycling is particularly acute in regions (Kazakhstan, China, India, and the CIS countries) where the production of cereals and grains is the primary industry upon which their livelihoods are built. The main advantage of non-wood raw materials is their annual reproducibility and low cost. At the same time, annual plants are a source of a number of valuable natural products, including cellulose. This article presents the results of a study of the morphological structure and chemical composition of wheat straw. The analysis results demonstrate the high potential of this type of lignocellulosic raw material for the direct production of cellulose without the need for preliminary extraction of the wood component. The mineral composition of wheat straw was also studied, revealing the presence of vital macro- and microelements, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, and silicon. The established ratio of these elements indicates the potential of this type of raw material for producing cellulose suitable for further chemical modification.