Biomass an Overview
Biomass connotes to living and off lately dead those biological material that are used for industrial production or as a fuel. It is inclusive of both plant and animal matter that are used for production of chemicals or fibers. It also includes biodegradable waste but excludes that organic material which has been transformed by geological processes into energy and municipal wastes. It is grown from plants like hemp, corn, sugarcane. These plants mentioned are not very important to the end products but it does have an effect on the processing of raw material. As the interest in sustainable fuel is increasing day by day the production of biomass is also a growing and a very enterprising industry.
Despite it being a renewable fuel and also called as “carbon neutral” fuel, biomass can contribute to global warming. This happens due to activities termed as “carbon leakage”. It is a part of the carbon cycle and the carbon stored in biomass is approximately 50% by weight. Inspite of harvesting, biomass crops can trap carbon also.
Fossil fuels are not considered as biomass despite having their origin in ancient biomass. The carbon-di-oxide content is therefore disturbed because of their combustion. Apart form being used as a fuel biomass can also be used for building materials and for cellulose fibers.
The plastics made from biomass are made in the same way as the plastics made from petroleum based products. The plastics made from biomass are much cheaper to manufacture and they most often exceed the performance standards. They lack, though, in water resistance and longevity.
