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Scientists have developed sawdust-based foams that could offer an alternative to fossil fuel-based materials used in protective packaging, such as polystyrene (PS) packing peanuts and box inserts. Published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials, the prototypes incorporate cellulose binders and other additives to create rigid or flexible materials. According to the scientists, some versions matched PS strength and impact resistance, while a beeswax coating improved water resistance. …The team blended fine processed wood powder or coarse unprocessed mill waste with cellulose binders and cross-linking ingredients. Then, the researchers poured the mixtures into molds, froze them, and freeze-dried the foams to remove all the moisture. A final heat-drying step activated the cross-linked networks. The properties of the prototype foams can be different depending on the type of cellulose binders. Carbomethyl cellulose versions were stiffer than PS, while hydroxypropyl cellulose produced a softer material, according to the research.