Materials of Biological Origin: Exploring Renewable Resources
Materials of Biological Origin
Materials of biological origin are derived from plants or animals. They are renewable and can be maintained, as long as they are not overexploited.
Materials of Plant Origin
Some of the most well-known materials of plant origin include:
Paper
Paper is composed of layers of cellulose fibers. It is a relatively dense yet soft material used to produce books, newspapers, notebooks, containers, and packaging. Recycled paper is increasingly used to create new paper products.
Wood
Wood is composed of cellulose and lignin and is obtained from tree trunks. Its properties vary depending on the tree species. Wood is a strong, lightweight material used in furniture, doors, and light appliances. It is also used for wall and floor coverings. In principle, wood is a renewable resource.
Textile Fibers
The most important textile fiber is cotton, which accounts for over 50% of fibers used in the textile industry. Cotton is obtained from the filaments within the seed capsules of the cotton plant. It allows for the creation of lightweight, durable, and breathable fabrics.
- Linen: Linen is a textile fiber obtained from the flax plant’s stem strands. The resulting material is highly resistant.
- Jute: Jute is derived from a plant found in very humid tropical regions. It is reserved for making bags, ropes, and sandals.
- Hemp: Hemp fiber is obtained from the bark of the plant’s stems.
Materials of Animal Origin
The most commonly used materials of animal origin are wool, silk, and leather.
- Wool: Wool is obtained from various animals, especially sheep. It is very light and elastic and provides significant insulation. Wool is used for making garments for colder climates.
- Silk: Silk is produced by the silkworm. Its fibers are very fine and long. However, silk tends to degrade easily with heat and direct sunlight, which limits its uses.
- Leather: Leather consists of collagen fibers found in the skin of some animals. It is a tough material that can have varying degrees of hardness and stiffness. Leather is used for making gloves, purses, and other items.