Description

Our forests are a naturally renewable resource that has been used as a principal source of bio-energy and building materials for centuries. The rapid growth of world population has now resulted in substantial increases in demand and in consumption of all raw materials. This now provides a unique opportunity of developing new bio-based composites. The 100-year history of the softwood plywood industry provides a good example of a successful development of an idea, a process, and eventually marketable product. The key to developing a marketable bio-based composite for use as a building product that can be used for construction of safe and affordable structures is to identify the research and development (R&D) and market needs for such a product. This would include an understanding of the requirements for product performance, engineer the processing, and implement the product.

Publication Notes

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Citation

Cai, Zhiyong; Winandy, Jerrold E. 2005. Opportunity and development of bio-based composites. Proceedings of International Workshop on Prefabricated Bamboo Panel Module Housing, Nov. 24-25, 2005, Beijing, China. [S.l. : s.n.], 2005: 11 pages.

Keywords

Plywood, history, building materials, composite materials, value added, renewable natural resources, sustainable forestry, economic aspects, softwoods, biocomposites

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