Die Nutzung nachwachsender Rohstoffe: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen

Abstract

The quest for sustainable development of economically and ecologically attractive technologies is stimulating interest in better utilization of biomass and agricultural materials as renewable resources for chemicals, fuel, and polymers. In comparison to 'biodiesel' fuel, involving high energy consumption in biomass conversion, incineration of biomass, especially of agricultural wastes, represents the preferred route to energy production combined with reduced total carbon dioxide emission. Carbohydrates and plant oils are attractive renewable raw materials for the production of a wide range of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and novel biodegradable surfactants. Plant cells are being converted into chemical reactors to facilitate exploitation of feedstocks such as fatty acids. Although price/performance ratio typical for commodity plastics are not met, biopolymers are being introduced as components of packaging and lightweight materials, e.g., natural-fiber-reinforced composites for automotive applications. Illustrated by selected examples, this overview highlights prospects and Iimitations of renewable resources and agricultural feedstocks in energy technology and chemical industry.