M-24640-F 



Equipment of industrial type for chemical 

 wood conversion. 



M-31512-F 



Lignin comprises approximately one- fourth 

 the weight of wood. A waste material at 

 present, its utilization depends on a better 

 understanding of its composition and 

 chemical relationships. 



M-25822-F 



By simple chemical means sawdust is 



changed into a molding compound that 



can be formed into sheets or shaped articles 



under heat and pressure. 



M-31510-Fj 



A specimen of wood plastic coming 

 from the mold. 



adhesive properties of lignin appear to 

 be the formative agency. By pressing 

 the processed sawdust under heat, a 

 sheet material is formed that offers wide 

 possibilities of use as floor tile, wall- 

 board, switchboard panels, and a vari- 

 ety of other products, at a cost per 

 square foot estimated to be equivalent 

 to the general price level of lumber. 



Antishrink treatments 



Marked improvements in wood utili- 

 zation will be possible if practical treat- 

 ments can be perfected, independent of 

 or supplementary to seasoning, that 

 will eliminate its tendency to shrink or 

 swell with changes in moisture condi- 

 tions. The results of such processing 

 can easily be foreseen in broader and 

 more secure markets for wood, espe- 

 cially in its finer and more exacting 

 uses, as in brush backs, cabinet work, 

 sporting equipment, shoe lasts, and the 

 like. Recent chemical investigations 

 indicate that the desired nonshrinldng 

 quality can be secured by the formation 

 and deposit of synthetic resin com- 

 pounds within the wood substance, so 

 that its subcapillary structure is per- 

 manently bonded with a water-resistant| 

 material. Further research is proceed-^ 

 ing with the aim of determining minimal 

 amounts of materials required for this 

 purpose, and otherwise cheapening the 

 treating process. 



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