Emerging Technologies for Reuse of Lignocellulosic Materials
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MRS BULLETIN/FEBRUARY 1994
The Resource Situation Global demand for lignocellulosics (LCs) is increasing due to several factors. Among the major factors are population increases and increasing per capita usage in developed countries. World population is 5.4 billion, and it is expected to double in less than 100 years.1 During this same period we can expect large proportions of the global population to gain increased economic affluence. A study of the present usage of paper in the Western economies shows nearly 200 kg average usage per capita while 50% of the world population in Asia consumes less than 5 kg per capita.2 It is clear that social and economic growth in Asia, and elsewhere on the globe, can be measured in increased consumption and, thus, disposals. Is the supply of fiber threatened? Even with the ever-increasing consumption of paper and wood products in the United States, we actually have 25% more wood volume growing here than in 1952.3 However, this should not be considered as a justification for continuing our consumption trends. As societal demand increases, there are considerable negative implications for forest environmental systems, for our energy usage, and for our disposal and landfill facilities. Should we be using wood and fiberbased materials for our commerce? Simply
Figure 1. Injection- and impression-molded polypropylene/newsprint fiber composite material in a variety of complex parts.
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Emerging Technologies for Reuse of Lignoceiiuiosic Materials
cycling paper, and some of the options available for chemicals from LC materials. Let it not be said, however, that these are our only options. Within the Forest Service's Recycling Research Program,4 a wide array of options have been identified for using LC fibers and particles in composites with polymers, natural binders, and inorganics.5 In addition to the new material options comes an even wider array of potential product possibilities ranging from automotive interior components (Figure 1) to structural housing components (Figure 2). An even greater need is to generate economically viable processing systems to create marketable products through recycling materials technology. Realization of increased recycling rates can only come through increased market demand. As materials researchers we need to persist in bringing a multidisciplinary approach to recycling. Working with commercial entrepreneurs and other professionals, we can bring new materials technologies to the forefront quickly to benefit society at large. Figure 2. Cellular core panels molded from recycled paper fiber to create a wide array of products for furniture, housing and industrial uses.
put, LCs form the only material base that is sustainable and represents a closed loop system including each element of the regeneration, production, use, and decomposition of a natural material. There are, of course, many sub-arguments for reducing our impact on this regenerative cycle, and the most cogent of them is to recover and recycle LCs into marketable materials. Recycled Paper:
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