Liquid Wood

Do you know that the plastic handbag that you use is dangerous for our environment? Do you know that the plastic is non-degradable and can result in the killing of various animals which eat them? So, if you are really concerned about your environment, then I would suggest that you start using "Liquid wood" and support the banning of plastics.

Simply stating, "Liquid Wood" is a bio-degradable plastic which is made up of lignin. It is basically derived from wood-pulp based lignin which can be mixed with hemp, flax or wood fibers and other additives for creating a strong, non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Liquid plastic is seen as a major breakthrough in dealing with the hazardous implications of plastics (that are increasingly being used today).

How is Liquid Wood made?

During the manufacture of paper, the cellulose is separated by the wood industry into three main components namely-lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses. Out of these, lignin is not required for paper making. So, it is mixed with fine natural fibers made of wood, hemp or flax and natural additives such as wax. After mixing and heating under high pressure conditions, a plastic granulate is produced which can be melted and injection-molded. As, you can see, this plastic is surely a better alternative to the petroleum based plastic which relies on the oil reserves of the world that will automatically get depleted one day!

The research on the manufacturing of bio-plastic began in 1990's by Norbert Eisenreich's group at the Fraunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology. This team developed "liquid wood" and trademarked it with the name of Arboform. This plastic further got processed by Tecnaro a German company which molded and produced it in pellet form. As compared to the petroleum-based plastics, when Arboform is used, it does not add to the atmospheric level of Carbon dioxide. Hence, the normal carbon cycle does not get disrupted with the use of this plastic.

Moreover, Arboform has great thermal and mechanical properties, when compared to putting wood and plastic together. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic engineering material of better quality and vigor that is going to replace all the technological demands revolving around the use of unhealthy plastic. Although car parts and other durable items made of bio-plastic exist today but this plastic has not been used till yet for household purpose because of the high contents of sulphur present inside it. However, research is going on and soon we can hope to find the use of this plastic in household items.

"Liquid wood" certainly has a bright future and can be seen as a serious attempt taken by scientists to protect our environment! The use of "liquid wood" certainly promises a better and safer tomorrow.