Introduction
Renewable energy is any energy generated from the sun, wind, water, hydrogen, Earth’s natural heat (geothermal), or biomass. In 2003, biomass was the leading source of renewable energy in the United States for the fourth year in a row, …
Introduction
Ash from woody biomass comes from the minerals present in the structure of trees and shrubs in addition to any soil contamination. Properties of wood ash depend on a variety of factors including type of tree or shrub, part …
Introduction
Numerous opportunities are emerging to expand industrial needs through the production and processing of biological materials. Biological feedstocks can be used as a substitute for petroleum-based feedstocks to make a variety of bulk, intermediate, and specialty chemicals. Biomass-related chemical …
Introduction
Petroleum-based feedstocks have dominated as industrial inputs over the past century. The rising petroleum prices, a decline in petroleum reserves, and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products are resulting in numerous opportunities for bio-based materials in the marketplace. This …
Introduction
Energy is one of the main applications of woody biomass and forest residues. Wood is the main source of energy for more than 2 billion people and provides more than 14 percent of the world’s total energy1. Demand for …
Introduction
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a flammable, tasteless, colorless, mildly toxic alcohol having a fairly distinguishable odor. It is the same alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is used alternatively for industrial purposes as …
Introduction
Woody biomass is converted into useful forms of energy (i.e. solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels) as well as useful products (e.g. polymers, bio-plastics, char, pellets, and acids) using a number of technological processes. Thermochemical processes depend on the relationship …
