a woody or non - woody biomass is delignified through continuous extrusion technology , utilizing high - pressure steam to break down complex biomass materials . the process is useful to form a hydrophobic fiber material for use as an extrusion filler , a plastics modifier , and in the papermaking arts . alternatively , the process is useful for preparing dietary feeds for ruminant animals , as well as to produce a broad range of alcohols or polymers from lignocellulosic substrates .