Multivariate data analysis applied in alkali-based pretreatment of corn stover

In this paper, variables of Pulp Refining Instrument (PFI) refining assisted alkaline pretreatment and hydrolysis saccharification of corn stover were analyzed. The process parameters were characterized by multivariate data analysis methods including Principle Component Analysis and Partial Least Square (PCA and PLS) to investigate the specific relationships of primary variables in alkali-based pretreatment of biomass. In this paper, pretreatment system was multivariate and the variables were inter-related to each other. Total alkaline charge and removal rate of lignin had greatest impact on the pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis.