Die Rolle des Holzes als Chemierohstoff und Energieträger - Teil 2: Verwertungsmöglichkeiten für Cellulose, Polyosen und Lignin

Apart from the most important technical and economic utilization of cellulose in pulping, papermaking and in the production of cellulose derivatives, macromolecular wood components offer the production of a wide range of chemicals hitherto derived from fossil material, particularly from petroleum. For example ethanol can be produced, which is used for chemical and energetic purposes and may serve as basic material for a number of synthetic polymers. Compounds like furfural, xylitol, acetic acid as well as yeasts and proteins can be derived from polyoses. Technical lignins have a wide range of application due to their dispersing, binding, and surface-active propertics. Special chemical and thermal lignin degradation reactions yield products such as phenols, hydrocarbons, organic acids and important solvents.