Nonrenewable materials

The consumption of nonrenewable materials tends to exhibit a classic relationship, which was first demonstrated by M. King Hubbert in an analysis of oil production from the 48 contiguous states of the USA. The shape of this Hubbert curve is similar to, although not identical with, a normal distribution (Figure 1.1). With some variation, this pattern of production/consumption is exhibited for all nonrenewables. The finite life span of nonrenewable reserves has been commented upon by many workers in the area. 

The extraction of nonrenewable materials follows a common pattern, in that the highest-quality reserves are the first to be extracted, and as these are worked out, progressively lower-quality reserves are then processed. As technology advances and the price of the commodity rises, the reserves increase. 

The replacement of timber products by nonrenewable materials is an unfortunate development, since it has been repeatedly shown that the use of timber does have associated environmental benefits compared with the use of nonrenewables (e.g. Marcea and Lau, 1992 Hillier and Murphy, 2000 Bowyer etal., 2003 Lippke etal., 2004). Timber has a lower embodied energy content (and hence a more favourable carbon emission profile) compared to most other building materials and can provide other benefits, such as improved thermal properties. It and the products made from it (in common with other renewable materials) can be used as a repository for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Wood is derived from a renewable resource, albeit potentially an exhaustible one unless it is managed correctly. Disposal of wood can be readily achieved with little environmental impact (subject to how the wood has been treated prior to disposal). 

Lora JH, Glasser WG (2002) Recent industrial applications of lignin a sustainable alternative to nonrenewable materials. J Polym Environ 10 39—48... 

Cellulose and its derivatives have been and are commercially and scientifically important. They are used in the production of paper textiles and fibers (e g., rayon) films (e.g., cellophane) gums and thickeners (e.g., cellulose ethers) foods pharmaceuticals cosmetics explosives and propellants (e.g., nitrocellulose) and adhesives. In addition, the hydrolysis of cellulose is actively being studied as raw material for the production of alcohol fuels (6) and chemicals (7). As nonrenewable materials are depleted, the importance of cellulose as a chemical raw material will increase. Analysis and characterization of any... 

Element 4] Use the minimum amount of material (especially nonrenewable material) to achieve the required functionality. 

AU plastic waste including htter is a material of value in terms of the embedded energy and the nonrenewable materials that comprise it. It is clearly a resource or a raw material that must ideally be recycled and its material and/or energy resources extracted for reuse. Degradability and compostability do not facilitate this key sustainability objective. 

Lora J, Glasser W (2002) Recent industrial applications of lignin a sustainable alternative to nonrenewable materials. J Polym Environ 10(112) 39-48 MacCracken J (1916) A review of the status and possibilities of flax production and manipulation in Canada. Pub No 542-1 Ottawa Government printing bureau 38 pp Mapleston P, Smock D (1998) PUR processing goes au naturel with fibers. Mod Plast December 79 pp... 

The first part of this chapter addresses utilization of materials by the anthrosphere. Emphasis is placed on renewable materials, especially those from the biosphere, and on conservation and recycling of metals and other nonrenewable materials. The second part of this chapter discusses minimization of the impact of anthrospheric wastes with emphasis on elimination of hazardous wastes and treatment of wastes to make them nonhazardous. 

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