Belgian Researchers Turn Sawdust into Gasoline

In Belgium, researchers at KU Leuven's Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis have successfully converted sawdust into building blocks for gasoline.

Using their new chemical process, they were able to convert the cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains. These hydrocarbons can be used as an additive in gasoline, or as a component in plastics.

But the possible applications go beyond gasoline. The green hydrocarbon can also be used in the production of ethylene, propylene and benzene which are the building blocks for plastic, rubber, insulation foam, nylon, coatings, among others.