Download (PDF 10.64 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/28813.pdf
Abstract
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, agricultural 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 underappreciated 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 resource as an additive 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.
Keywords
Fiberboard,
feathers,
biomass,
utilization,
wood plastic composites,
sustainable forestry,
economic aspects,
composite materials,
value added,
building materials,
renewable natural resources,
small-diameter timber,
smallwood,
wood-plastic materials,
biocomposites
Citation
Cai, Zhiyong; Winandy, Jerrold E. 2006. Opportunities for using bio-based fibers for value-added composites. Proceedings of the 8th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium, Advances and Challenges in Biocomposites : 20-23 November, 2006, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kepong, Malaysia : Forest Research Institute Malaysia, c2006: ISBN: 9832181879: 9789832181873: Pages 42-47
