CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS BIOMASS
Lignocellulosic materials, such as wood, grass, agricultural and forest residues, are potential resources for the production of bioethanol. This chapter introduces the chemical compositions of common lignocellulosic biomasses including softwood, hardwood, herbaceous species and agricultural residues. The key points are focused on the physical and chemical properties of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in these common biomasses.