BIOMASS PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE

Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant renewable resource (by mass and volume) on earth, is widely used as a source of energy, materials, and other products that make possible a broad array of human activity. Examples include heat for domestic, commercial and industrial use, electricity, transportation fuel, renewable chemicals, and soil additives for improved fertility and nutrient management. However, our knowledge of biomass' properties and performance is still very limited, and research is needed to develop a better understanding of how to use biomass sustainably and effectively. Research on this topic will help farmers and foresters develop new ways to produce renewable, sustainable biomass as an alternative to non-sustainable non-renewable products in the world today.This research effort will focus on two exciting possibilities for making biomass more useful: thermal treatment and physical treatment. Thermal treatment can be used to chemically alter the composition of biomass, changing its strength, energy content, and absorbtive properties. Physical processing, including densification, can be used to increase the value of biomass by improving its reactivity, density, handling characteristics and overall usability, which is very important if we are to use the over 1 billion tonnes of biomass that are sustainably available on an annual basis in the United States. As the national economy (and world economy) continues to shift towards a more renewable basis of operation, this research will provide valuable insight into the opportunities that biomass can play in the economy.