In this study, the production and characterization of bioethanol from rice and corn straws were investigated. The bioethanol was produced through dilute acid hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation; and the distillates were purified by dehydration using zeolite 4A. The physicochemical and fuel properties of the bioethanol distillates including pH, refractive index, specific gravity, flash point, octane rating and calorific or heating value were evaluated. Further characterization of the biofuel was carried out using FTIR and GC-MS. The results indicated that octane number, calorific value, and specific gravity of the corn straw bioethanol obtained were significantly higher (p
Key words: Rice straw, Corn straw, Bioethanol, Physicochemical properties, Fuel properties
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