PRODUCTION, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND THERMODYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOETHANOL DERIVED FROM CORK: A PROMISING VALORIZATION PATHWAY FOR A NON-FOOD LIGNOCELLULOSIC WASTE

This study investigates the potential of cork biomass, an underutilized lignocellulosic residue, to produce second-generation bioethanol. The process involved biomass preparation, Thermochemical pretreatment, concentrated acid hydrolysis, and alcoholic fermentation to convert the carbohydrate fraction of cork into fermentable sugars. The resulting bioethanol, obtained through distillation, reached a purity of 30 % (v/v). Physicochemical and thermodynamic caracteristics of the produced bioethanol included measurements of density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and vapor pressure. Spectroscopic analyses (FT-IR and Raman) were also conducted to confirm ethanol composition and purity. Despite its moderate purity, the bioethanol exhibited properties in line with initial fermentation - stage fuels, confirming the feasibility of cork as a raw material for biofuel production. These findings demonstrate a promising valorization route for cork waste within the framework of circular bioeconomy and sustainable energy development.