Advanced materials from forests

Abstract

Forests form an extremely important part of the global ecosystem and especially with regard to carbon dioxide emissions. They also provide a valuable source of sustainable materials. Forests are under threat in every part of the world. The lack of economic value and activity has led to population drift from forest areas and the subsequent lack of management of forests. To change this situation, one needs to add value to the products of forests. This chapter examines how to achieve this and evaluates the progress to date. The forests are rich in raw materials, and the chapter reviews the raw materials under the headings of wood, fiber products, and chemical products. Of particular interest are composite formed from forest products which is an emerging area. The chapter focuses on the potential use of rosin (a product obtained from pine trees) and on nanocellulose fibrils and also explores this potential and identifies applications which may develop in the future.