Bio-Based Paths to Prosperity for Small and Medium Forest Landowners: A Pilot Study in Southwest Louisiana

Forest biomass has great potential as a biofuel feedstock, but information on forest owner perceptions of using forest biomass to produce bioenergy is lacking. In this case study, we surveyed 3500 small to medium private forest landowners in southwestern Louisiana to better understand their attitudes and perceptions towards harvesting forest biomass for bioenergy production. Results indicate that landowners: 1) were positive about utilizing biomass for bioenergy, 2) believe viable biomass conversion technologies exist, 3) had antagonistic or neutral attitudes towards some technological, economic, and policy issues associated with using forest biomass for bioenergy due in part to lack of information or knowledge, and 4) felt biomass is a low-value product compared to traditional products. Landowners’ perceptions of participating in bio-based activities and markets vary among age and ownership size, and 51% of forest landowners were willing to participate in management activities specifically geared for bioenergy production.

Preliminary evaluation of liquefaction behavior of Eucalyptus grandis bark in glycerol

Eucalyptus grandis W.Hill ex Maiden bark was liquefied in glycerol with two types of catalysts.The chemical components of the residues with respect to temperature were examined to investigate the liquefaction behavior of bark.The results reveal that sulfuric acid was more efficient in converting bark into fragments in glycerol at low temperatures B 433.15 K,equivalent to 160C than phosphoric acid.The liquefaction order of chemical components was lignin,hemicelluloses,and cellulose.The decrease of liquefaction yields at high temperatures(≤453.15 K)catalyzed by sulfuric acid was possibly a result of the recondensation of lignin and/or hemicelluloses.

Semi-Interpenetrating Novolac-Epoxy Thermoset Polymer Networks Derived from Plant Biomass

Bio-based phenol-formaldehyde polymer (BioNovolac) was developed by reacting molar excess of bio-oil/phenolwith formaldehyde in acidic medium. Glycidyl 3,5-diglycidoxybenzoate (GDGB), was prepared by directglycidylation of α-resorcylic acid (RA), a naturally occurring phenolic monomer. GDGB was crosslinked in thepresence of BioNovolac by anionic polymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmedthe formation of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The glass transition temperature and moduli of biobasedcrosslinked systems were observed to increase with increasing GDGB content. Active chain density andmass retention measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and Soxhlet extraction, respectively, indicated ahigh crosslink density of the cured networks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images depicted thehomogeneity of the bulk phase. The preparation of bio-based epoxy-novolac thermoset network resulted inreduced consumption of petroleum-based chemicals.

Effect of genetic sources on anatomical, morphological,and mechanical properties of 14-year-old genetically improved loblolly pine families from two sites in the southern United States

Tree improvement programs on loblolly pine(Pinus taeda) in the southeastern USA has focused primarily on improving growth, form, and disease tolerance.However, due to the recent reduction of design values for visually graded southern yellow pine lumber(including loblolly pine), attention has been drawn to the material quality of genetically improved loblolly pine. In this study,we used the time-of-flight(TOF) acoustic tool to assess the effect of genetic families on diameter, slenderness, fiber length, microfibril angle(MFA), velocity and dynamic stiffness estimated using green density(DMOEG) and basic density(DMOEB) of 14-year-old loblolly pine stands selected from two sites. All the 184 and 204 trees of the selected eight half-sib genetic families on sites 1 and 2 respectively were tested using TOF acoustic tool, and two 5 mm core samples taken at breast height level(1.3 m)used to for the anatomical and physical properties analysis.The results indicated a significant positive linear relationship between dynamic MOEs(DMOEGand DMOEB)versus tree diameter, slenderness, and fiber length while dynamic MOEs negatively but nonsignificant correlated with MFA. While there was no significant difference in DMOEBbetween sites; velocity 2 for site 1 was significantly higher than site 2 but DMOEGwas higher for site 2 than site 1. Again, the mean DMOEGand DMOEBreported in the present study presents a snapshot of the expected static MOE for green and 12% moisture conditions respectively for loblolly pine. Furthermore, there were significant differences between families for most of the traits measured and this suggests that forest managers have the opportunity to select families that exhibit the desired fiber morphology for final product performance. Lastly,since the dynamic MOE based on green density(DMOEG),basic density(DMOEB) and velocity 2 present difference conclusions, practitioners of this type of acoustic technique should take care when extrapolating results across the sites.

An Exploratory Analysis of the Market Perspective on Reclaiming Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) from Decommissioned Preservative-Treated Wood Utility Poles

In the area of recycling of spent chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood, most studies to date have focused on methods of removing/extracting the residual preservative from the wood matrix. It is well recognized that exposure of CCA-treated wood to an acid solution can reverse the CCA fixation process thereby converting the CCA elements into their water-soluble form. The economic viability of the process is enhanced because it can be integrated with other technologies and products (e.g., “green” spray foam insulation, etc.). The market for the “green” CCA is the same as for traditional CCA-the wood treating industry, principally utility poles and pilings. A market research study was conducted to determine the suitability of spent CCA-treated wood as a source for recycled, “green” CCA for manufacturing “green” spray-foam insulation. Specifically, we wanted to discern the attitudes and overall perspectives of buyers/sellers (i.e., utilities and wood treating companies) of CCA preservatives and treated wood products, disposal methods and costs for decommissioned CCA-treated wood, and understand perceptions of and willingness-to-pay for “green” CCA preservatives extracted from the technologies used in this research. Results show that 60% of wood preservative treating respondents and 60% of electric utility company respondents are somewhat or greatly interested in using out-of-service utility poles as feedstock for “green insulation” as part of a new potential business venture.