Push for new materials, chemicals from biomass sparks active R and D

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Chemical and Engineering News; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-v068n037.p019· OSTI ID:6467814

Borman, S ^[1]

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1. C and EN, Washington, DC (US)

This paper discusses how a resurgence of interest in the production of new materials, chemicals, and fuels from biomass resources such as wood, cellulose, lignin, starch, and chitin is sparking active R and D efforts in these areas. Biobased materials and chemicals currently under development include composites of conventional plastics with lignocellulosics (chemicals from wood and other plant sources); lignocellulosic nonwoven mates that can be pressed into rigid shapes to form doors, walls, and even auto body parts; phenolic chemicals produced from wood waste and bark; membranes made from chitosan (a substance derived from crustacean shells); and biodegradable plastics containing starch.

• OSTI ID: 6467814
• Journal Information: Chemical and Engineering News; (USA), Vol. 68:37; ISSN 0009-2347
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
BIOMASS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
AVAILABILITY
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
CELLULOSE
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
CHITIN
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY RECOVERY
ENERGY SOURCES
LIGNIN
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
WOOD WASTES
AMINES
CARBOHYDRATES
CONVERSION
MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLYSACCHARIDES
RECOVERY
SACCHARIDES
SOLID WASTES
WASTES
090700* - Biomass Fuels- Resources- (1990-)
093000 - Biomass Fuels- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects- (1990-)
320305 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Industrial Waste Management
320301 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Energy Sources