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Olive Tree ( Olea europaea ) Pruning: Chemical Composition and Valorization of Wastes Through Liquefaction

Idalina Domingos (), Miguel Ferreira, José Ferreira and Bruno Esteves
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Idalina Domingos: Centre for Natural Resources, Technology and Management School, Polytechnic University of Viseu, Av. Cor. José Maria Vale de Andrade, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Miguel Ferreira: IT Department, Technology and Management School, Polytechnic University of Viseu, Av. Cor. José Maria Vale de Andrade, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
José Ferreira: Centre for Natural Resources, Technology and Management School, Polytechnic University of Viseu, Av. Cor. José Maria Vale de Andrade, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Bruno Esteves: Centre for Natural Resources, Technology and Management School, Polytechnic University of Viseu, Av. Cor. José Maria Vale de Andrade, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: Olive tree branches (OB) and leaves (OL) from the Viseu region (Portugal) were studied for their chemical composition and liquefaction behavior using polyalcohols. Chemical analysis revealed that OL contained higher ash content (4.08%) and extractives, indicating more bioactive compounds, while OB had greater α-cellulose (30.47%) and hemicellulose (27.88%). Lignin content was higher in OL (21.64%) than OB (16.40%). Liquefaction experiments showed that increasing the temperature from 140 °C to 180 °C improved conversion, with OB showing a larger increase (52.5% to 80.9%) compared to OL (66% to 72%). OB reached peak conversion faster, and the optimal particle size for OB was 40–60 mesh, while OL performed better at finer sizes. OL benefited more from higher solvent ratios, whereas OB achieved high conversion with less solvent. FTIR analysis confirmed that acid-catalyzed liquefaction breaks down lignocellulosic structures, depolymerizes cellulose and hemicellulose, and modifies lignin, forming hydroxyl, aliphatic, and carbonyl groups. These changes reflect progressive biomass degradation and the incorporation of polyalcohol components, converting solid biomass into a reactive, polyol-rich liquid. The study highlights the distinct chemical and processing characteristics of olive branches and leaves, informing their potential industrial applications.

Keywords: Olea europaea; olive tree pruning; chemical composition; liquefaction; agroindustrial residues; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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