Wood’s composition is primarily organic, consisting of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose, a long-chain polysaccharide, provides structural strength. Hemicellulose, a branched polysaccharide, binds with cellulose. Lignin, a complex polymer, adds rigidity and resistance to decay. Extractives, such as tannins, resins, and oils, contribute to color, odor, and natural durability. The precise ratio of these components varies among species, influencing the material’s characteristics.
Understanding the fundamental composition of this natural material is essential for diverse applications. This knowledge informs processing techniques for paper production, construction, and furniture making. Historically, traditional uses leveraged naturally occurring properties like resistance to decay in specific species for shipbuilding or rot-resistant building foundations. Modern applications extend to engineered wood products where manipulating component ratios enhances performance. For example, knowledge of lignin content is critical in biofuel production.