Butanol (C4H10O) or butyl alcohol is an alcohol that can be used as a solvent or fuel. Biobutanol refers to butanol that has been produced from biomass. Biobutanol is produced by a microbial fermentation, similar to ethanol and can be made from the same range of sugar, starch or cellulosic feed stocks. Biobutanol production is currently more expensive than ethanol so it has not been commercialized on a large scale. However, biobutanol has several advantages over ethanol and is currently the focus of substantial research and development.
Bio butanol industry offers a unique set of investment opportunities, depending on the location and proximity of available biomass as well as demand and dynamics.
Similar to synthetic butanol, bio butanol is used in paints, lacquers and other surface coatings; chemical markets including plastics and synthetic rubber; and for fuels production.
Bio Butanol Blended Fuels
Bio butanol blended fuels are especially valuable for use in marine engines, as they are highly resistant to phase separation in the presence of water and have been demonstrated to offer a high level of compatibility with the materials commonly employed in engines and fuel-handling equipment.