Opportunities for using bio-based fibers for value-added composites
2006
Zhiyong, Cai | Winandy, Jerrold E.
Efficient and economical utilization of various bio-based materials is an effective way to improve forest management, promote long-term sustainability, and restore native ecosystems. However, the dilemma is how to deal with lesser used, undervalued or no-value bio-resources such as small diameter trees, agriculture residues (wheat straw, rice straw, and corn stalk), exotic-invasive species, recycled biofibers and hazardous fuels and residues from fire-prone forests. This paper will present results from a number of research projects that have been conducted at USDA Forest Service, Forest Product Laboratory (FPL). The results provide new alternatives on how to utilize small-diameter curve trees for laminated structural lumber, fiber from exotic-invasive species in wood-plastic composites, bio-fibers for new engineered fiberboard products, and even mixing wood fiber with chicken-feather fiber to create more moisture-resistant medium density fiberboard (MDF). This paper will review on-going research on developing new bio-based composites derived from a series of diverse and under appreciated wood-and bio-fiber resources. Because removal of non-indigenous shrubby exotic-invasive species is expensive, to help off set the economic costs associated with these removals and to re-introduce indigenous ecosystems in the United States, scientists at FPL are actively working on engineering and economic feasibility and process development for using these bio-fibers in wood-plastic composites. Chicken feather fiber may offer a large, economical fiber resources as an addictive for MDF; a study has been completed to evaluate the properties of MDF prepared by using a series of chicken feather fiber and aspen wood fiber mixtures. A new process for utilizing low-grade or curved material has been developed and tested for engineering and economic feasibility. Parts of that process have recently been commercialized.
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Este registro bibliográfico ha sido proporcionado por Universiti Putra Malaysia