Steam explosion is a rapidly developing technique for the fractionation and modification of lignocellulosics and for the extraction of industrial polysaccharides. This book is a primary integrated presentation of the fundamental and technological aspects of this process, and provides an exhaustive discussion of its prospects for the future. The main topics concern the kinetic and engineering aspects as well as the structure modifcations of the substrates, induced by the steam explosion process. Applications in the pulping and textile industries, in the bioconversion of wood and agricultural biomass, and in polysaccharide extraction are widel discussed. Potential developments of this technique in the activation of lingocellulosics for dissolving and the production of new textile fibers and films are also considered.

This book covers the production, management and changing patterns of global wood and fibre resources, with emphasis on the inter-disciplinary character of wood and related plant materials in terms of their resource value.

This book presents the aspects of cellulose obtained in correlation with its integration into the new concept of biorefining. The authors detail the individual steps of pulp manufacture as well as properties and fiber characterization techniques for paper, cellulose derivatives and processing by-products. This book is of interest to scientists and advanced students working in the fields of renewable resources and biorefining.