Chemical Composition of Wood

1. General Composition

Wood is construct primarily out the subsequent to compounds (in % ascetic weight):

cellulose 40-50%
lignin: 16-25% in hardwood – 23-33% in softwood
hemi-cellulose: 20-30% in hardwood – 15-20% in hardwood
subsidiary compounds (water, resins,…) 5-30%
minerals 0,1-3%

For more info Cellulose ether.

The actual structure of wood is formed by the fiberlike structure of cellulose (and hemi-cellulose). Lignin forms the binding agent along together with these fiberlike structures.

2. Cellulose

Cellulose is one of the most abundant organic compounds coarsely earth. Not unaccompanied woody flora and fauna in imitation of trees are construct from it but moreover all added plants. Cotton fibres are made of cellulose, wood consists for just about 50% out of cellulose. One cellulose molecule is a chain of thousands of glucose molecules. In it’s final form it is a white fibre. Cellulose for paper production is normally harvested from wood but some plants are a courteous source as ably. Cellulose is in addition to used in the chemical industry as a basic material for the production of synthetic products as well as tissues, coatings, explosives,… Cellulose is without a doubt one of the most important and versatile products for the economy!

3. Lignine

Lignine is an organic polymer, typically found in wood. Softwood contains more lignine as hardwood. It is construct from giant, 3-dimensional molecules of a profound composition. It is a dark complex that is a waste product from the paper industry. 4. Hemi-cellulose Hemi-cellulose is to the side of related to cellulose. They are both structures produce from glucose. But hemi-cellulose contains with badly be wrong surrounded by on types of sugar molecules in its structures. The fibers are plus shorter as well as those of cellulose, and no-one else a few hundreds of sugar molecules. Hard wood contains more hemi-cellulose later softwood.

5. new substances and minerals

There are concern ahead organics compounds in wood that don’t have constructive properties. But they contribute to color, smell, strength and adding happening. Oils and fatty molecules, wax, starch,… are some examples. Besides these organic substances, wood contains plus anorganic minerals as soon as calcium, natrium and magnesium in the form of phosphates, silicates, sulphates,…

 

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