Method of processing and fractionating biomass and use of fractions thus obtained

The present invention relates to a method of treating biomass, comprising providing a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; contacting the biomass feedstock in a mixture, which is formed by the biomass, water and an alkaline agent, with an oxidizing agent at an elevated temperature; and continuing the contacting of the biomass feedstock with the oxidizing agent until a notable part of the lignin is solubilised. The step of providing the biomass feedstock comprises contacting a biomass raw-material containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in an aqueous phase with an alkaline agent; continuing the contacting of the biomass with the alkaline agent until a significant portion of the hemicellulose is dissolved in the aqueous phase to provide a modified biomass; recovering the modified biomass; optionally opening the structure of the modified biomass by mechanical treatment; and using the modified biomass as a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock. Treating the biomass provides hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose fractions that have a multitude of applications in the bioeconomy.Patent family as of 23.11.2021EP3209830 A1 20170830 EP20150852476 20151019 EP3209830 A4 20180725 EP20150852476 20151019 US10266610 BB 20190423 US20150521310 20151019 US2017298152 AA 20171019 US20150521310 20151019 WO16062919 A1 20160428 WO2015FI50707 20151019Link to current patent family on right