Composites based on lignocellulosic raw materials

Lignocellulosic natural fibres are an excellent raw materials for production of wide range of composites. Generally, composites based on lignocellulosic particles or fibres can be divided into the following groups: conventional panel-type composites like particleboards, fibreboards, insulating boards, etc., lignocellulosic-mineral composites, which are based on inorganic binders, natural fibres reinforced polymers, nonwoven textile-type composites. Some data regarding above mentioned composites were presented during the Fourth ICFPAM, which took place in 1997 in Cairo, Egypt [1]. However, from that time progress in utilization of wider range of lignocellulosic raw materials for composites, and in technologies of their manufacturing have been observed. Moreover, taking into consideration ecological aspects, new gluing systems for conventional lignocellulosic composites were developed - e.g., enzymatic system. This paper together with paper on Potential of Lignocellulosic Raw Materials gives a general view on present situation and prospects for development of lignocellulosic based composites.