Electron beam plasma systems - new opportunities for lignocellulosic biomass processing technologies

The applications of the nonequilibrium low temperature oxygen electron beam plasma (EBP) to the controlled destruction of softwood lignocellulose destruction is described. The beam plasma effect leads to the amorphization of the crystalline part of the biopolymer and the formation of additional oxygen containing functional carbonyl and carboxyl groups on the surface of lignocellulosic fibers.