The feasibility of commercial utilization of cotton fabric and cotton conversion products for synthetic lumber

During the past two decades much scientific investigation has been directed toward the elimination and profitable utilization of the waste products of manufacture and agriculture. One of the outstanding developments has been an industry that utilizes agricultural waste products to produce synthetic lumber. Such materials as cornstalks (1), bagasse (2), wheat straw (3), wood (4), whole cotton plants (5) and etc., have entered into the manufacture of the different synthetic lumbers, and the different products have met with varied degrees of success.

An investigation was undertaken to determine the feasibility of utilizing cotton stalk as a basic material in the manufacture of synthetic lumber. The cotton stalk is not just an ordinary waste, but a highly undesirable refuse when left standing in the fields; for, during the winter months the dead plant acts as a home for the boll weevil then in its dormant stage.