bagasse

DefinitionA form of cellulose (biomass) derived as a by-product of the crushing of sugar cane or guayule plants. Contains a high proportion of hemicellulose. After pulping with either soda or kraft cooking liquor, it can be made into a low grade of paper. It is also used in compressed form as an insulating board in construction, as a medium for growth of nutritive bacteria, in animal feeds, in manufacturing of furfural; and as on-site fuel for cane-sugar mills. In Hawaii, it is being used as a fuel for electric power generation.