Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Oleochemical modification
(e.g. Surfasam [6], WoodProtect® [7]): Wood is
reacted with fatty compounds such as alkenyl succinic anhydrides or fatty-ace-
tic anhydrides. The alkenyl or fatty base comes from vegetable oils (fatty acid
or fatty acid esters).
6.2.3
Plant Fibres
Plant fibres show variable properties according to their species, their age and their
growing spot. They can be classified into categories according to their position in
the plant (Figure 6.10).
By far, the most-produced fibre in the world is cotton. Its production is almost
30 times that of jute (Figure 6.11). The extensive industrial textile applications of
cotton account for a large proportion of its use. As such, a few other fibres play a
more important part than cotton in biomaterials production. It is interesting to
note that most natural fibres (other than wood) used commercially come from
emerging countries, especially from Asia.
The fibre characteristics depend on the source. Table 6.2 lists the main charac-
teristics commercially-available vegetal fibres. A short description of each type of
fibre and its application are given in the following sections.
Flax
Jute
Hemp
Kenaf
Ramie
From bast
Sisal
Pineapple
Banana
Abaca
From leaf
Cotton
Kapok
Coir
Oil palm
Rice
Plant fibres
From seed/fruit
Wheat
Corn
Rice
Bamboo
Bagasse
From grass/reed
Wood
Roots
Others
Figure 6.10
Plant fibres classified according to their position in the plant.
