Liquid Wood Is Plastic of Tomorrow, Say Scientists
3rd June 2009
“The cellulose industry separates wood into its three main components — lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose,” ICT team leader Emilia Regina Inone-Kauffmann told DPA.
“The lignin is not needed in papermaking, however. Our colleagues mix that lignin with fine natural fibers made of wood, hemp or flax and natural additives such as wax. From this, they produce plastic granulate that can be melted and injection-moulded.”
The final product can resemble highly polished wood or have a more matted finish and look like the plastic used in most household items.