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FKF3240 The Chemistry of Wood 10.0 credits

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus FKF3240 (Spring 2018–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Evolution of plant kingdom and different phylogenetic groups of plants, biology of plants, overview of forestry, morphology of wood and wood cells, morphology and application of non-wood plant fibers, carbohydrate chemistry, cellulose structure and properties, structure and properties of hemicelluloses and pectin, lignin structure and properties, lignin carbohydrate networks, different groups of extractives and their properties, inorganic content in wood, biosynthesis of plant cell wall polysaccharides and lignin, different groups of wood degrading microorganisms and their properties, enzymes degrading wood polymers, overview of technical use of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student will have a thorough knowledge of:

  • Different phylogenic groups of plant and plant evolution.
  • Basic biology of plants
  • Wood and plant fibre morphology
  • Carbohydrate classification and chemistry
  • Structure and properties of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, lignin, extractives and inorganic wood content.
  • Biosynthesis of wood and wood components.
  • Wood degrading microorganisms and their enzymes.

The goals of the course are important from sustainability point of view, since plant biomass is one of the most important renewable resources, and knowledge of their chemistry and morphology is central for different types of technical application within a sustainable technical culture.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

No information inserted

Recommended prerequisites

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Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Ljungberg textbook of pulp and paper (Chapter 2-7, 9-11, 90 and 93.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

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Examination

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Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Written or oral examination. Grad scale P, F.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Third cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Gunnar Henriksson, ghenrik@pmt.kth.se, +46 8 7906163

Postgraduate course

Postgraduate courses at CHE/Fibre and Polymer Technology