Imagine the wood that is so strong that it competes in steel, but much lighter, renewable and producing 90 percent of carbon emissions less. This is exactly what Superwood, developed by Inventwood, a startup was transferred from the University of Maryland.
With a resistance / weight ratio 10 times higher than the steel and 50% higher traction resistance, this engineering wood promises to revolutionize construction, transport, aerospace and more. It is fireproof and is not affected by pests and humidity.
While Inventwood is preparing for mass production, the company claims that its high performance wood could possibly replace steel Almost everywhere.
“Superwood can effectively replace steel, concrete and aluminum in many applications, considerably reducing carbon emissions and resource dependence. We think it has substantial potential to become global current,” said Christina Ra of Inventwood ZME Science.
Superwood science
The Superwood manufacturing process begins with plain wooden boards, often fast growing wood such as pin or balsa. Scientists treat them in a two -step process. The first is a chemical treatment during which the wood is boiled in a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, eliminating a large part of its lignin and its hemicellulose.
This process partially strips the natural structure of wood while preserving cellulose, fibrous and strong dorsal spine. The next step is hot densification, where the softened boards are pressed hot at moderate temperatures (~ 65 ° C) under pressure.
This collapses cell walls and aligns cellulose Nanofibers, stimulating the hydrogen bond between them. Even if the wood is only compressed four times, its resistance increases almost 10 times, thanks to these new molecular links.
“The Superwood is created through a patented molecular transformation which reorganizes and densifies the nanofibrils of cellulose in natural wood,” said RA.
The result is a dense and robust board which is 12 times stronger than natural woodharder, fire resistant, weather resistant and parasites resistant. The Inventwood team has validated the mechanical and environmental properties of its equipment through certain tests.
“These tests included assessments of traction and compression resistance, impact resistance, fire resistance (reaching class A) and sustainability against humidity, insects and rot. The results have constantly demonstrated superior resistance combined with exceptional sustainability, ”added RA.
The only major challenge is the cost
Superwood can be used for construction facades, structural beams, aircraft interiors and furniture. The newly built factory of Inventwood in Frederick, Maryland, supported by a funding of $ 15 million, is about to start producing millions of square feet of this material Annually, with an initial accent on architectural panels.
An interesting thing about the Superwood manufacturing process is that it is not limited to pine or balsa. The Inventwood team suggests that other types of wood can also be transformed into Superwood using a similar approach, making it a very practical and evolving steel alternative.
However, there is a great challenge that can prevent Superwood from becoming a consumer material – and that is the cost. Steel has a price between $ 1 and $ 2 the book, while Superwood is currently located More than $ 12.5 And can go up to $ 25 per book.
How Inventwood will fill this price difference to see.