Effect of Phenol in the Liquefaction of Pine Bark by Ethylene Carbonate-Methanesulfonic Acid

The effects of phenol during ethylene carbonate (EC) liquefaction of pine bark in the presence of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as a catalyst were investigated. Liquefaction of pine bark using EC in the presence of acid catalyst was very difficult in comparison to wood. Mixing ethylene glycol (EG) with EC improved the liquefaction process, but the maximum liquefaction yield did not exceed 78%. Mixing 20~30% phenol with EC was very effective for the liquefaction and the residue was remarkably decreased. More than 95% of liquefaction was achieved when about 30% phenol was mixed with EC. The reaction conditions, such as catalyst concentration, liquefaction temperature and time, type of catalyst and liquefying agent, had a great influence on the liquefaction process. The results of the average molecular weights and the amount of combined phenols for the liquefied products indicated that sulfuric acid (SA) causes high condensation reactions compared to MSA.