In this study, the effect of microwaves on the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a biphasic system was evaluated via a kinetic analysis. The reaction system consisted of an acidified aqueous phase and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as an organic phase, in which HMF is extracted directly upon formation during the reaction. Two identically shaped reactors were used to assess the influence of microwaves on the production of HMF. A borosilicate glass reactor was used to heat the reaction mixture via microwaves directly, whereas the silicon carbide (SiC) wall of the second reactor absorbed all microwaves and hence the reactor content was heated via convective heat transfer. An identical temperature profile was imposed on both reactors. Cellulose, glucose and fructose were chosen as feedstocks for the conversion to HMF. It was observed that microwaves have a significant effect on the reactions. The hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose was a 2.3 folds faster in the presence of microwaves at the process conditions (0.046 M HCl, 177 °C). The isomerization of glucose to fructose showed a similar increase (factor 2.5). The required energy input for the reaction was systematically higher for the SiC reactor.

More than 1200 bamboo species are known; therefore, the question arises which species are suited for composites and which microstructural characteristics of the plant are decisive. Three different bamboo species are considered, each of two ages. Technical fibre tensile tests and impregnated fibre bundle tests were performed to characterize the fibres and maceration was applied to determine the length over diameter ratio of the elementary fibres. From the impregnated fibre bundle tests it is concluded that the stiffness of bamboo fibres from tropical species considered in this research is unaffected by the species nor the age of the plant. The strength is more affected by the region of growth, with the temperate bamboo species having lower strength as a result of a lower length over diameter ratio of the elementary fibre. Chemical analysis helped to investigate the age difference and it can be stated that the fibres are mature within one growing season.