Invention of semi-transparent wood using a surprising technique! 🌳

What if wood became a high-tech material? Researchers have developed a semi-transparent version, combining strength and biodegradability. This innovation could well compete with glass and plastic.

Inspired by ancient techniques, scientists have reworked wood's composition to create a material of the future. Their approach relies on natural ingredients, avoiding petrochemical derivatives. Potential applications, from windows to touchscreens, open up new possibilities.

A recipe inspired by history

Traditional wood owes its opacity to lignin and hemicellulose. To make it transparent, these components must be removed, leaving behind a porous cellulose structure. Researchers looked to the past to find an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic resins.

In Assam (northeastern India), centuries-old buildings were constructed using a cement made from sticky rice and egg whites. This combination was adapted to fill the pores of modified wood. The result is a material that is both rigid and partially transparent, without using plastics.

Tests confirmed the method's effectiveness. A birdhouse equipped with this wood showed better thermal insulation than glass. The interior temperature was 9 to 11°F (5 to 6°C) lower, suggesting promising applications in construction.

Toward high-tech applications

The team also explored adding silver nanowires to make the wood conductive. This approach could lead to flexible screens or biodegradable sensors. While silver isn't sufficiently eco-friendly, alternatives like graphene are being considered.

Initial prototypes remain semi-transparent, but the approach is appealing for its simplicity and low cost. Researchers emphasize the importance of accessible solutions, especially for developing countries. This method could reduce our dependence on polluting materials.

With improvements, this next-generation wood could establish itself in various sectors. Its ecological and economic potential makes it a serious candidate to replace glass or plastic in certain applications.