55th Inaugural Lecture - 2007 by Prof. O. Akaranta - University of ...

extracts and their derivatives have been found to possess goodtanning properties (Akaranta, 1999).Lignocellulosic ResiduesThey are those agricultural residues that contain cellulose,hemicellulose and lignin as their major components. Theseinclude such residues as sugarcane bagasse, orange mesocarp,corn cob, peanut husk, palm fruit fibres, melon seed shell etc.Particle BoardsThe most commonly available type of industrial woodproducts such as particle boards are made from wood chipsobtained from forest thinnings, timber and saw mill wastes.However, the declining potentials of our forest due todeforestation makes it difficult to meet up the rapidlyincreasing demand for particle boards in future. The situationhas been further aggravated by the rapid increase in thepopulation of developing countries. Therefore, in order to meetthe raw material requirements for particle board production,agricultural residues appear to be the most attractive andpromising source. (Akaranta, 2000). In this regard, corn cob,sugarcane bagasse and peanut husk have been used as sources13