Emerging Technologies in Mineral-Bonded Wood and Fiber Composites

Abstract

North American markets have traditionally relied heavily on wood-based products for light construction applications. This region of the world has enjoyed the benefits of substantial wood resources. These wood resources have largely fueled the industrialization of the United States and Canada over the last century. It continues to be a major economic force today. However, the forest products and the building products industries are facing significant change. Pressures are continuing on multiple fronts: (a) the federal government continues to restrict access to the federal timber lands; (b) the quality of timber available is far less than it used to be; (c) price of timber, although at times widely fluctuating, is on the rise; and (d) market continues to demand low-maintenance, durable building materials. The public, the governmental agencies and corporations are also continuing to access waste resources (waste paper, etc.) as raw material ranging from remanufactured paper to their use as fiber for building materials.

Combining minerals with fiber from either virgin or recycles sources offer viable options for the manufacture of building products that meet specific use requirements. These technologies, which I generally refer to as “Inorganic-Bonded Wood and Fiber Composites” are beginning to take hold in the manufacturing sector with some showing substantial growth opportunities. This paper is intended to present a broad overview of some of these manufacturing concepts.