* Cellulose: This is the main component of wood, making up about 40-50% of its weight. It's a complex carbohydrate that gives wood its strength and rigidity.
* Hemicellulose: This is another type of carbohydrate, but it's simpler than cellulose and makes up around 20-30% of wood. It contributes to wood's stiffness and helps bind cellulose fibers together.
* Lignin: This is a complex polymer that acts as a "glue" holding the cellulose and hemicellulose together, providing wood with its strength and durability. It makes up about 20-30% of wood.
* Extractives: These are a variety of organic compounds, including fats, resins, waxes, and tannins, found in small amounts in wood. They contribute to wood's color, odor, and resistance to decay.
The exact composition of sawdust can vary depending on the type of wood it came from. For example, hardwoods like oak and maple have a higher lignin content than softwoods like pine and spruce.
In summary, sawdust is basically just finely ground wood, so it contains the same chemical makeup as the wood itself.
