CHEMICALS AND POLYMERS FROM BIOMASS

Authors
Citation
J. Coombs et K. Hall, CHEMICALS AND POLYMERS FROM BIOMASS, Renewable energy, 15(1-4), 1998, pp. 54-59
Citations number
8
Categorie Soggetti
Energy & Fuels
Journal title
ISSN journal
09601481
Volume
15
Issue
1-4
Year of publication
1998
Pages
54 - 59
Database
ISI
SICI code
0960-1481(1998)15:1-4<54:CAPFB>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
While fossil energy prices remain relatively low and agricultural pric es are maintained at a relatively high level as a result of production costs, the use of purpose grown crops as a source of fuels requires s ubsidies, tax support or other financial incentives to be viable. In t he short term, the use of agricultural and forest raw materials as ind ustrial raw materials for production of higher value products appears more attractive, However. simple substitution of a petroleum-based pro duct by one derived from plants is seldom possible. Options are review ed, covering both established commercial activities (such as starch, v egetable oil, paper pulp and natural fibres), as well as the extensive research and development activities that should lead to new crops, ne w products and new markets. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd . Ail rights reserved.