Suberinic acids are a type of carboxylic acids naturally encountered in the bark of Betula tree species. Chemically, they predominantly have long (C18) chains with α- and ω- bifunctional saturated and unsaturated fatty acid ends.[2] Their name originates from suberin, a major chemical biopolymer of tree bark.

Chemical structure of octadecane-1,18-dioic acid, a typical component of the suberinic acids[1]

Uses

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The outer bark of birch (Betula spp.) tree is abundant in betulin. Upon extracting betulin, the remaining material consists of tissues containing suberin. Suberin is a biopolyester composed of α,ω - bifunctional fatty acids, namely the suberinic acids, which, along with lignocarbohydrate complexes, can serve as a potential adhesive in the form of a byproduct obtained during the extraction of suberinic acids for polyol synthesis. Recent studies have proved the potential application of this product, obtained by depolymerizing suberin, in the wood-based panels such as particleboard utilizing different solvents.[3]

Recently, suberinic acids have found to have new applications in wood industry.[4][5] The industrial mixture of suberinic acids, obtained from extracted birch outer bark, can be successfully used in industry for adhesion purposes,[6] possibly in wood protection as well.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Godina, Daniela; Makars, Raimonds; Paze, Aigars; Rizhikovs, Janis (2023). "Analytical Method Cluster Development for Comprehensive Characterisation of Suberinic Acids Derived from Birch Outer Bark". Molecules. 28 (5): 2227. doi:10.3390/molecules28052227. PMC 10005158. PMID 36903473.
  2. ^ Godina, Daniela; Makars, Raimonds; Abolins, Arnis; Paze, Aigars; Kirpluks, Mikelis; Rizhikovs, Janis (18 October 2022). "Suberinic Acid Isolation from Birch Outer Bark and their Characterization". Materials Science Forum. 1071. Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.: 166–173. doi:10.4028/p-75i7vl. ISSN 1662-9752.
  3. ^ Makars, Raimonds; Rizikovs, Janis; Godina, Daniela; Paze, Aigars; Merijs-Meri, Remo (6 June 2022). "Utilization of Suberinic Acids Containing Residue as an Adhesive for Particle Boards". Polymers. 14 (11). MDPI AG: 2304. doi:10.3390/polym14112304. ISSN 2073-4360. PMC 9182914. PMID 35683976.
  4. ^ "Post-extraction birch bark residues as a potential binder in particleboards" (PDF). Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  5. ^ Makars, Raimonds; Rizikovs, Janis; Godina, Daniela; Paze, Aigars; Merijs-Meri, Remo (6 June 2022). "Utilization of Suberinic Acids Containing Residue as an Adhesive for Particle Boards". Polymers. 14 (11). MDPI AG: 2304. doi:10.3390/polym14112304. ISSN 2073-4360. PMC 9182914. PMID 35683976.
  6. ^ "Suberbinder application • Suberbinder". Suberbinder. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  7. ^ "IRG Wood Protection". IRG Wood Protection. Retrieved 17 April 2024. Suberinic acid from birch bark and its suitability in wood protection, by A. Treu, M. Altgen, J. Rizikovs