Source Year: 2014

Lignin and cellulose distribution in plant parts of seven Hevea species which are H. brasiliensis (RRIM 3001), H. benthamina, H. guianensis, H. pauciflora, H. spruceana, H. nitida and H. camargoana were studied to ascertain the pattern of distribution among plant parts, to project total lignin and holocellulose that could be extracted from unused plant parts of the rubber tree during rubber replanting programmes as well as to suggest new planting materials in rubber forest plantation for the purpose of wood harvesting. The study has successfuly analysed different distribution patterns among plant parts of Hevea trees, where lignin was found to be of highest concentration in the leaf while holocellulose concentration was highest in clear bole samples. For a 25,000 ha area in rubber forest plantation replanting programme, the estimated amount of lignin, combustion energy and ethanol production are 13.34 TJ and 545 million kg respectively, while for the replanting programme programme in rubber plantation which involves a 20,000 ha area, the estimated amount of lignin combustion energy and ethanol production are 13.94 TJ and 570 million kg, respectively. Since lignin is a co-product of biofuel processes it can be recovered and used for power generation in biofuel production. The study has also recognised H. spruceana and H. benthamiana as possible planting materials for rubber forest plantation since both species have a comparable high biomass weight and high amount of lignin as well as holocellulose in unused plant parts. Immediate future work will focus on investigating optimal methods and conditions for biomass pretreatment, cellulosic hydrolysis and sugar fermentation to yield ethanol.