Biocomposite Materials Derived from Forest Biomass Management

Dear Colleagues,

The management of forests requires the removal of significant amounts of biomass from the surface of the soil, which can appear in excess, or even be unsuitable, for the formation of humus. This situation particularly applies to activities such as riverbank maintenance and operations such as pruning, which are crucial in silviculture and the reinstating or development of urban forests. These processes produce a large quantity and variety of lignocellulosic materials, which are often not adapted to energy recovery via combustion, a disposal route that is also unsustainable. On the other hand, these materials can be employed as a secondary source of lignin, cellulose and relevant products, including biocomposites, on which this Special Issue specifically concentrates. These materials could provide a substitute for petrochemical resins and wood–plastic composites in order to limit the depauperating of planet resources. They would also offer more accurate control with regard to the botanical species and performance obtained by the material, resulting in more facile and accurate traceability. Of course, this Special Issue particularly emphasizes the use of local products, in a context that promotes the significant import/export of wood-related products but does not impose controls regarding their origin and forest management. The increasing number of “zero km” botanical species that could be utilized as a source of secondary raw materials for biocomposites supports this interest and constitutes a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.

Dr. Carlo Santulli
Guest Editor

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