Hemicellulose Products
The high hemicellulose content of biomass offers significant potential for new wood-based products and presents biorefineries of the future with interesting opportunities.
The hemicellulose content of wood is between 15 and 30 %. It is possible to extract hemicellulose from wood using a variety of techniques. Once isolated, the potential applications for hemicellulose include barrier materials for food packaging or biopolymers with new properties.
Xylan as a strengthening agent
For instance, xylan that has a high molecular weight can be extracted from process streams from production of kraft pulp. Xylan has a good affinity with cellulose, making it suitable for use as a strengthening agent in paper or in biocomposites in combination with cellulose. It can also be modified to produce new material properties, such as hydrophobicity and thermal formability.
Modification can also result in the xylan exhibiting an improved ability to form films. Film-forming is necessary in order for xylan to be able to form self-supporting barrier films for use in food packaging.