2 - Processing of wood for wood composites

Abstract

In order for wood to be used to make composite products, feedstock originating from trees and logs must first be obtained, sometimes as a by-product of other primary wood processing operations. This chapter provides a summary of primary wood processing as it relates to the production of the raw materials used in wood composites. It begins with an overview of peeling and sawmilling, which are used to provide the materials for solid wood composites. It then describes the production of chips, flakes and fibres that are used to manufacture composite panels. Finally, a brief overview is presented on the production of nanocellulose from wood.