Production of furfural by acid hydrolysis of corncobs

Hydrolysis of corncobs for producing furfural was carried out in a pressurized batch reactor using superheated water and diluted sulphuric acid as catalyst. The range of experimental conditions was T=140–200°C and P=350–1550 kPa. Yields of furfural are reported as a function of reaction temperature, particle size, acid concentration and liquid/solid ratio. Attention has been focused on the solid residue remaining after the hydrolysis process, so that it can be further used as a humic fertilizer after oxiammoniation treatment.