The use of timber has a large role to play in the mitigation of climate change and the reduction ofcarbon i n the atmosphere, indeed the growing and use of timber is the original carbon capture and storage strategy.
However todays solid timber can only fulfill certain roles when construction our home and living spaces, the need for sheet materials and large spans require the use of manufactured products and composites. Composites can be produced from timber from shorter rotations and therefore have the potential for a greater long term rate of return for forestry.
This paper will begin by exploring the need for the use of timber and timber composites in the built environment and how this will have a positive effect on the reduction of carbon in the atmosphere. A brief roll call of current timber composites, their manufacture and uses will be undertaken and an assessment of their strengths, and weaknesses will be addressed.
Finally the paper will take a look to the future and the potential for new and novel composites and composite components from timber. The use of lignin and nano-cellulose will be address amongst others.
Keywords: wood composites, circularity, climate change, decarbonization, lignin
Authors
Graham A Ormondroyd
BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, UK
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