Suberinic acids are a type of
naturally encountered in the
Tree bark of
Betula tree species. Chemically, they predominantly have long (C18) chains with α- and ω- bifunctional saturated and unsaturated
fatty acid ends.
Their name originates from
suberin, a major chemical biopolymer of
tree bark.
Uses
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
.
Recently, suberinic acids have found to have new applications in wood industry.[ Suberinic acid from birch bark and its suitability in wood protection, by A. Treu, M. Altgen, J. Rizikovs]
