EUBCE 2026 - Zongchao Conrad ZHANG - High-Performance "Biocretes": Adhesive-Free Structural Materials via Catalytic Transformation of Whole Biomass

High-Performance "Biocretes": Adhesive-Free Structural Materials via Catalytic Transformation of Whole Biomass

Short Introductive summary

This paper introduces a novel technology that converts whole biomass—including agricultural and forest waste—into structural "Biocrete" products. These materials serve as a sustainable, high-strength alternative to conventional engineered wood and plastics. The process utilizes a two-step approach: 1. Catalytic Transformation: Milled fibers from whole biomass feedstocks are converted into functionalized "Biocrete" fibers. 2. Thermal Molding: These fibers are thermally molded into adhesive-free products that possess exceptional structural integrity. The core innovation lies in a proprietary catalytic treatment that restructures the biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) to generate surface-active functional groups. These groups enable the fibers to bond cohesively under heat and pressure without the need for synthetic resins. This process has been successfully validated at a thousand-ton industrial scale.