Concerns regarding energy security, resource sustainability, and environmental protection have heightened interests in renewable fuels and sparked the research and development of ethanol as a transportation fuel. This study examines consumers’ willingness to pay for ethanol from various potential feedstocks; corn, switchgrass and wood wastes. Data was collected via a survey of fuel consumers across the United States in 2009. Results show that consumers have a preference for E85 (a fuel blend with 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) from corn, switchgrass and wood wastes compared to E0 (gasoline) and a preference for E85 from switchgrass and wood wastes, but not corn when compared to E10 (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline). Also, consumers have a preference for E85 compared to E10 but not compared to E0. Mean WTP for E85 was insignificant across all models, but significant for all other product attributes; percentage of fuel imported, percentage of greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and the proximity of fuel in driving distance. This suggests a WTP for a combination of fuel attributes associated with ethanol rather than just for E85. Results suggest that price and proximity of the fuel have a greater impact on fuel selection than percentage of the fuel imported and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Republicans had a positive WTP for E85 compared to E10 and a negative WTP for E85 compared to E0 regardless of feedstock, which may suggest that Republicans actually have no preference for E85; however, these findings may also suggest that Republicans view E85 as a voluntary “policy” whereas E10 is an example of government intrusion in the free market. Thus, they may ultimately have preferences over the manner in which the blend is being introduced to the market. Across all models, those undecided in political affiliation, those previously familiar with ethanol, and those who prefer to devote U.S. farmland to food instead of fuel generally exhibited a lower WTP for E85 while Westerners, those worried about the environment, and those believe that reducing dependence on foreign oil is more important than environmental protection generally had a greater WTP for E85.

Concerns regarding energy security, resource sustainability, and environmental protection have heightened interests in renewable fuels and sparked the research and development of ethanol as a transportation fuel. This study examines consumers’ willingness to pay for ethanol from various potential feedstocks; corn, switchgrass and wood wastes. Data was collected via a survey of fuel consumers across the United States in 2009. Results show that consumers have a preference for E85 (a fuel blend with 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) from corn, switchgrass and wood wastes compared to E0 (gasoline) and a preference for E85 from switchgrass and wood wastes, but not corn when compared to E10 (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline). Also, consumers have a preference for E85 compared to E10 but not compared to E0. Mean WTP for E85 was insignificant across all models, but significant for all other product attributes; percentage of fuel imported, percentage of greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and the proximity of fuel in driving distance. This suggests a WTP for a combination of fuel attributes associated with ethanol rather than just for E85. Results suggest that price and proximity of the fuel have a greater impact on fuel selection than percentage of the fuel imported and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Republicans had a positive WTP for E85 compared to E10 and a negative WTP for E85 compared to E0 regardless of feedstock, which may suggest that Republicans actually have no preference for E85; however, these findings may also suggest that Republicans view E85 as a voluntary “policy” whereas E10 is an example of government intrusion in the free market. Thus, they may ultimately have preferences over the manner in which the blend is being introduced to the market. Across all models, those undecided in political affiliation, those previously familiar with ethanol, and those who prefer to devote U.S. farmland to food instead of fuel generally exhibited a lower WTP for E85 while Westerners, those worried about the environment, and those believe that reducing dependence on foreign oil is more important than environmental protection generally had a greater WTP for E85.

Questões ligadas ao desempenho térmico e acústico de edificações têm sido cada vez mais abordadas, num cenário em que ganham importância a economia de energia e o controle do ruído. O advento dos materiais compósitos propiciou o emprego de resíduos de processos que, aliados a materiais de origem renovável, contribuem para a obtenção de produtos de reduzido impacto ambiental. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo a produção e caracterização de painéis de partículas e espuma poliuretana à base de óleo de mamona, para destinação em composições termoacústicas. Os painéis de partículas foram produzidos utilizando-se resíduos de madeira de Pinus sp., tratado com CCB (preservante de cromo, cobre e boro - base óxido), borracha de pneus inservíveis e adesivo poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona. Foram adotadas variações na produção dos painéis, quanto aos fatores: proporção e configuração da borracha, espessura e pressão de prensagem; verificando sua influência no desempenho dos painéis. As propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis foram determinadas conforme a ABNT NBR 14810-3 (2006) e avaliadas segundo os principais requisitos de normas neste âmbito. Análises estatísticas (ANOVA) foram realizadas para verificação da influência dos fatores de produção, e de suas interações, nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis. Também foram avaliadas a morfologia e estabilidade térmica dos painéis e espumas. O isolamento térmico foi avaliado pela determinação experimental da condutividade térmica. A absorção sonora dos painéis e espumas, em diferentes montagens, foi determinada por medições em câmara reverberante, conforme ISO 354 (1985). Os resultados das propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis estiveram em grande parte condizentes com os documentos normativos. O teor de borracha e a sua interação com os demais fatores apresentaram influência estatística nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis. A morfologia dos painéis e espumas permitiu visualizar sua adequação aos produtos propostos, por meio da porosidade. Em relação ao isolamento térmico e absorção sonora, os painéis e espumas, bem como as composições formadas, apresentaram desempenho coerente com produtos e normas utilizados como referência. Sendo assim, verificou-se a viabilidade de produção e aplicação dos painéis e espuma poliuretana à base de mamona em composições destinadas ao conforto termoacústico. / Issues relating to thermal and acoustic performance of buildings have been increasingly addressed in a scenario where energy savings and noise control are essential. Advent of composite materials enabled the use of residues from production processes that, coupled with renewable source materials, contribute to obtain products with low environmental impact. So, this study aimed to the production and characterization of particleboards and castor-oil-based polyurethane foam, for thermo-acoustic compositions. Panels were produced with residues of Pinus sp., treated with CCB (chromium, copper and boron basic oxide preservative), tire rubber wastes and castor-oil-based polyurethane adhesive. Variations in the production parameters were adopted: proportion and configuration of tire rubber; panels thickness; and pressing pressure, to determine their influence on panel performance. Physical and mechanical properties of particleboards were determined based on ABNT NBR 14810-3 (2006) and evaluated according to the main requirements of standards in this area. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed to check the influence of production factors, and their interactions, in those properties. Morphology and thermal stability of foams and panels were also evaluated. Thermal insulation was evaluated by experimental values of thermal conductivity. Sound absorption of the panels and foams, in different assemblies, was determined by measurement in a reverberation room, according to ISO 354 (1985). Results of evaluated panel properties were consistent with the normative requirements. The tire rubber content and its interaction with other factors influenced in almost all physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards. Morphology of the foams and panels permitted confirming their suitability to the proposed product by the porosity. With respect to thermal insulation and sound absorption, panels and foams as well as the correspondent compositions showed performance consistent to the references. Therefore, it was demonstrated the production feasibility and applying of studied compositions intended for the thermo-acoustic comfort.

Questões ligadas ao desempenho térmico e acústico de edificações têm sido cada vez mais abordadas, num cenário em que ganham importância a economia de energia e o controle do ruído. O advento dos materiais compósitos propiciou o emprego de resíduos de processos que, aliados a materiais de origem renovável, contribuem para a obtenção de produtos de reduzido impacto ambiental. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo a produção e caracterização de painéis de partículas e espuma poliuretana à base de óleo de mamona, para destinação em composições termoacústicas. Os painéis de partículas foram produzidos utilizando-se resíduos de madeira de Pinus sp., tratado com CCB (preservante de cromo, cobre e boro - base óxido), borracha de pneus inservíveis e adesivo poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona. Foram adotadas variações na produção dos painéis, quanto aos fatores: proporção e configuração da borracha, espessura e pressão de prensagem; verificando sua influência no desempenho dos painéis. As propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis foram determinadas conforme a ABNT NBR 14810-3 (2006) e avaliadas segundo os principais requisitos de normas neste âmbito. Análises estatísticas (ANOVA) foram realizadas para verificação da influência dos fatores de produção, e de suas interações, nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis. Também foram avaliadas a morfologia e estabilidade térmica dos painéis e espumas. O isolamento térmico foi avaliado pela determinação experimental da condutividade térmica. A absorção sonora dos painéis e espumas, em diferentes montagens, foi determinada por medições em câmara reverberante, conforme ISO 354 (1985). Os resultados das propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis estiveram em grande parte condizentes com os documentos normativos. O teor de borracha e a sua interação com os demais fatores apresentaram influência estatística nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos painéis. A morfologia dos painéis e espumas permitiu visualizar sua adequação aos produtos propostos, por meio da porosidade. Em relação ao isolamento térmico e absorção sonora, os painéis e espumas, bem como as composições formadas, apresentaram desempenho coerente com produtos e normas utilizados como referência. Sendo assim, verificou-se a viabilidade de produção e aplicação dos painéis e espuma poliuretana à base de mamona em composições destinadas ao conforto termoacústico. / Issues relating to thermal and acoustic performance of buildings have been increasingly addressed in a scenario where energy savings and noise control are essential. Advent of composite materials enabled the use of residues from production processes that, coupled with renewable source materials, contribute to obtain products with low environmental impact. So, this study aimed to the production and characterization of particleboards and castor-oil-based polyurethane foam, for thermo-acoustic compositions. Panels were produced with residues of Pinus sp., treated with CCB (chromium, copper and boron basic oxide preservative), tire rubber wastes and castor-oil-based polyurethane adhesive. Variations in the production parameters were adopted: proportion and configuration of tire rubber; panels thickness; and pressing pressure, to determine their influence on panel performance. Physical and mechanical properties of particleboards were determined based on ABNT NBR 14810-3 (2006) and evaluated according to the main requirements of standards in this area. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed to check the influence of production factors, and their interactions, in those properties. Morphology and thermal stability of foams and panels were also evaluated. Thermal insulation was evaluated by experimental values of thermal conductivity. Sound absorption of the panels and foams, in different assemblies, was determined by measurement in a reverberation room, according to ISO 354 (1985). Results of evaluated panel properties were consistent with the normative requirements. The tire rubber content and its interaction with other factors influenced in almost all physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards. Morphology of the foams and panels permitted confirming their suitability to the proposed product by the porosity. With respect to thermal insulation and sound absorption, panels and foams as well as the correspondent compositions showed performance consistent to the references. Therefore, it was demonstrated the production feasibility and applying of studied compositions intended for the thermo-acoustic comfort.

Wood wastes are mainly originated from forestry, wood industry and construction and demolition sites activities. Among them, three types of wood waste can be identified: untreated wood waste (raw wood considered as biomass), slightly treated wood wastes (issued from coating or gluing treatments) and highly treated wood wastes (issued from impregnation treatments with CCA and creosote, and considered as hazardous wastes).  According to the regulation, management of wastes in Europe is oriented towards more recycling and less elimination. However, among the French requirements, three main trends can be observed in regards of wood waste recovery: only treated wood wastes can be recovered in combustion units, no extensive technologies are allowed to recover highly treated wood wastes, which must then be eliminated by incineration, and slightly treated wood wastes can be either recovered as particle boards or eliminated.  However, in this context, the amount of wood wastes from construction and demolition sites reach 7 million of tons in France. Among them, 5% correspond to raw wood, and 25% are slightly treated. The high combustion potential of wood wastes is moreover an opportunity to replace conventional fuel used in combustion units.  The four main methods used to treat wood wastes are recycling as particleboards, combustion, incineration and land filling. Due to the various typologies of wood wastes, a conditioning step is needed before recovery. Then, if combustion seems to present advantages because of its neutral carbon impact, life cycle analysis demonstrates that emissions of other pollutants are observed. In addition, it is proved that controlled elimination methods are less impacting than unequipped recovery ones. Recycling is then not always the best practice in regards of the impacts considered in the study.  Competition among the different methods treatment and low prices of wood wastes are specific economical aspects that could influence the development of the field. Moreover, the increasing acceptance of people for recovery and local waste treatment methods, as well as the need for energetically independency are factors that can likely promote wood waste derived fuel. These driving forces are evolving in a very rapid way. Regulation is moving towards implementation of standards to promote the development of slightly treated wood waste derived fuel. Technological and social improvement such as sorting at source, and the development of end of pipe treatment methods are also likely to have positive effects.  An integrated solution to develop wood waste derived fuel would be to implement strong financial incentives in favour of clean technologies for wood wastes recovery methods. This enhancement could then be the mean to answer the double challenge of wood waste treatment and fossil fuel replacement.  Wood wastes are mainly originated from forestry, wood industry and construction and demolition sites activities. Among them, three types of wood waste can be identified: untreated wood waste (raw wood considered as biomass), slightly treated wood wastes (issued from coating or gluing treatments) and highly treated wood wastes (issued from impregnation treatments with CCA and creosote, and considered as hazardous wastes).  According to the regulation, management of wastes in Europe is oriented towards more recycling and less elimination. However, among the French requirements, three main trends can be observed in regards of wood waste recovery: only treated wood wastes can be recovered in combustion units, no extensive technologies are allowed to recover highly treated wood wastes, which must then be eliminated by incineration, and slightly treated wood wastes can be either recovered as particle boards or eliminated.  However, in this context, the amount of wood wastes from construction and demolition sites reach 7 million of tons in France. Among them, 5% correspond to raw wood, and 25% are slightly treated. The high combustion potential of wood wastes is moreover an opportunity to replace conventional fuel used in combustion units.  The four main methods used to treat wood wastes are recycling as particleboards, combustion, incineration and land filling. Due to the various typologies of wood wastes, a conditioning step is needed before recovery. Then, if combustion seems to present advantages because of its neutral carbon impact, life cycle analysis demonstrates that emissions of other pollutants are observed. In addition, it is proved that controlled elimination methods are less impacting than unequipped recovery ones. Recycling is then not always the best practice in regards of the impacts considered in the study.  Competition among the different methods treatment and low prices of wood wastes are specific economical aspects that could influence the development of the field. Moreover, the increasing acceptance of people for recovery and local waste treatment methods, as well as the need for energetically independency are factors that can likely promote wood waste derived fuel. These driving forces are evolving in a very rapid way. Regulation is moving towards implementation of standards to promote the development of slightly treated wood waste derived fuel. Technological and social improvement such as sorting at source, and the development of end of pipe treatment methods are also likely to have positive effects.  An integrated solution to develop wood waste derived fuel would be to implement strong financial incentives in favour of clean technologies for wood wastes recovery methods. This enhancement could then be the mean to answer the double challenge of wood waste treatment and fossil fuel replacement. / Träavfall kommer från skogsbruk, trä‐ och byggbranschen och rivningsplatser. Bland dem kan tre typer av träavfall identifieras: obehandlat träavfall (obehandlat trä betraktas som biomassa), lätt behandlat träavfall (från beläggning eller limning) och högbehandlat träavfall (från impregnering med CCA och kreosot, betraktas som farligt avfall). Enligt avfallsförordningen, är hantering av avfall i Europa inriktad mer mot återvinning och mindre mot eliminering. Bland de franska kraven, kan tre huvudsakliga tendenser iakttas för återvinning av träavfall: endast behandlat avfall kan behandlas i förbränningsanläggningar för energiutvinning, högbehandlat träavfall måste elimineras genom förbränning och lätt behandlat avfall kan antingen återvinnas som spånskivor eller elimineras. I detta sammanhang uppgår mängden träavfall från bygg‐ och rivningsplatser till 7 miljoner ton i Frankrike. Bland dem, motsvarar 5% obehandlat trä, och 25% är lätt behandlat. Den höga förbränningspotentialen för träavfall ger dessutom en möjlighet att ersätta konventionellt bränsle som används i förbränningsanläggningar. De fyra huvudsakliga metoder som används för att behandla träavfall är återvinning i spånskivor, förbränning med energiutvinning, förbränning och deponering. På grund av olika typer av träavfall, krävs ett konditioneringsteg innan återvinning. Även om förbränningen är fördelaktigt på grund av sitt neutrala kol, visar livscykelanalyser utsläpp av andra föroreningar. Dessutom visas att kontrollerade elimineringsmetoder har mindre miljöpåverkar än återvinningsmetoder som ej har rätt utrustning. Återvinning är alltså inte alltid att föredra om man beaktar de effekter som gjorts vid denna undersökningen. Konkurrensen mellan olika behandlingsmetoder och låga priser på träavfall är specifika ekonomiska aspekter som skulle kunna påverka utvecklingen inom området. Dessutom, den ökande acceptansen av människor för återvinning och lokala avfallshanteringsmetoder, liksom behovet av inhemska energikällor är faktorer som sannolikt kan främja bränsle från träavfall. Dessa drivkrafter utvecklas på ett mycket snabbt sätt. Avfallsförordningen är på väg mot införandet av standarder för att främja utvecklingen av lätt behandlat träavfalls bränsle. Tekniska och sociala förbättringar, exempelvis källsortering och utveckling av återvinningsmetoder ger också sannolikt positiva effekter. En integrerad lösning för att utveckla bränsle från träavfall skulle vara att genomföra starka ekonomiska incitament till förmån för ren teknik för återvinning av träavfall. Den här förbättringen kan sedan vara ett medel att anta den dubbla utmaningen av hantering av träavfall och ersättning av fossila bränslen.