Applications of bark for bio-based adhesives and foams

Abstract

Abstract With the increased concern for climate change and depletion of fossil fuel resources, there is a growing trend to research and develop technologies that can use renewable biomass as the raw material for synthesizing chemical products. Bark, a largely available forestry biomass residue with attractive chemical compositions, is considered as a promising feedstock. This article summarizes our recent research and development work in deriving bark-derived adhesives and foams and various bark conversion technologies explored. Advantages and disadvantages associated with the conversion technologies and bark-based chemical products are discussed. Some future studies that can further promote commercial applications of these novel bio-based products are presented. These novel bark-derived products have potential to generate higher value return using the low-valued forestry residue materials while increasing the renewable content in the final chemical products for a higher sustainability.