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 solvents.[3]
Recently, suberinic acids have found to have new applications in wood industry.[4][5] The industrial mixture of suberinic acids, obtained from extracted birch outer bark, can be successfully used in industry for adhesion purposes,[6] possibly in wood protection as well.[7]
