strawprocessing
Straw processing refers to the various methods used to treat and prepare straw, a byproduct of cereal grain harvesting, for different applications. Raw straw is typically composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, along with other compounds. Processing aims to alter these components to enhance its utility. Common processing techniques include physical methods like chopping, grinding, and pelletizing. Chopping and grinding reduce straw size, making it easier to handle and mix for use as animal bedding or as a feedstock for other processes. Pelletizing compresses straw into dense pellets, which are convenient for storage, transport, and combustion as biofuel.
Chemical treatments are also employed. Alkaline treatments, such as using sodium hydroxide, can break down lignin