A Study on Catalytic Hydrolysis of Corncob by Formic Acid

Corncob powder was hydrolyzed with formic acid under the catalyzation of hydrochloric acid. Sugar contents in hydrolysis liquor at different reaction time and temperature were determined. The chemical compositions in hydrolysis residue were also analyzed. Results showed that the formic acid could hydrolyze the polysaccharides in corncob and the degradation products were dissolved in hydrolysis liquor. The addition of catalytic hydrochloric acid accelerated the hydrolysis of polyose. The proper hydrolysis condition was 80°C for 3h. Lignin might undergo hydrolysis at higher temperature.