This thoroughly revised book is primarily a general text covering the whole sweep of the forest industries. The over-riding emphasis is on a clear, simple interpretation of the underlying science, demonstrating how such principles apply to processing operations. The book has no competitors with regard to its philosophical approach to the subject, and it is the only book covering the subject in a way comprehensible for the generalist.

The book considers the broad question "what is wood?" by looking at the biology, chemistry and physics of wood. Wood quality is examined, and explanations are offered on how and why wood quality varies and the implications for processing. Finally, various "industrial processes" are reviewed and interpreted. All chapters are written by specialists who incorporate their own local perspectives, while retaining an international flavor. This 2nd edition is a total revision. A few chapters remain relatively unchanged, but many have been totally rewritten.

No competitor in regard to philosophical approach of the book Only book covering the subject in a way comprehensible for the generalist Only interpretive book in the field to give insight, recognition of alternative perspectives Authors incorporate their own local perspectives, while retaining an international flavour New approaches, technologies without splitting the book into individualistic, unrelated chapters

Autorentext

Inhalt
The structure of wood: form and function.- Basic wood chemistry and cell wall ultrastructure.- Water in wood.- Dimensional instability in timber.- Wood quality: in context.- Wood quality: multifaceted opportunities.- Sawmilling.- Drying of timber.- Wood preservation.- Grading timber and glued structural members.- Wood-based composites: plywood and veneer-based products.- Wood-based panels: particleboard, fibreboards and oriented strand board.- Pulp and paper manufacture.- The energy sector: a hidden goliath.