Plant fibres: Botany, chemistry and processing for industrial use

Fibres from plant sources have been used by man for many generations and there is increasing interest in the potential use of such fibres from non-tree sources for various applications. This review brings together most of the relevant literature on the botany, chemistry and processing. The different cell types are explained and those which produce fibres are highlighted in conjunction with the actual plants involved. The chemistry of the plant cell wall is addressed with special consideration to the components of fibre cell walls and the biosynthesis, where known, is explained. Finally, the various methods for processing fibres into valuable industrial raw materials are detailed along with some prospective new technologies.