The degradable nature of high-performance, wood-based materials is an attractive
advantage when considering environmental factors such as sustainability,
recycling, and energy/resource conservation. The Handbook of Wood Chemistry and
Wood Composites provides an excellent guide to the latest concepts and
technologies in wood chemistry and bio-based composites.
The book analyzes the chemical composition and physical properties of wood
cellulose and its response to natural processes of degradation. It describes
safe and effective chemical modifications to strengthen wood against biological,
chemical, and mechanical degradation without using toxic, leachable, or
corrosive chemicals. Expert researchers provide insightful analyses of the types
of chemical modifications applied to polymer cell walls in wood, emphasizing