Scientists at InventWood in the USA have processed wood with a new technology, making it ten times stronger than steel and six times lighter. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The company has also started commercial production of this material. The scientific work was carried out under the leadership of Yale University professor Lianbin Xu.
He previously conducted experiments to turn wood into a transparent material, but later set the main goal to strengthen wood beyond steel. According to him, creating ecological and affordable construction solutions based on natural materials opens a new direction for humanity.
According to the new method, the wood is first cooked in a special chemical solution, then compressed hard using a hot press. During this process, the wood cells become denser, and its internal structure changes completely.
As a result, it becomes a material stronger, more flexible, and more durable than ordinary metals. InventWood’s head, Alex Launing, emphasizes that this super wood could be a real revolution in the construction field.
Its lightness reduces the weight of buildings, which allows for the construction of more resilient structures in earthquake-prone areas. Additionally, such technology significantly reduces construction costs.
Currently, super wood is more expensive than ordinary wood, but compared to steel production, this method produces 90% less carbon emissions. Scientists consider this a major ecological achievement since the steel industry is one of the largest sources of pollution worldwide.
The company’s long-term plan is to develop super wood to a level where it can compete with steel. Initially, it will be used in building facades, floors, and interior decorations.
Later, it is expected to be widely used in furniture, wall structures, and even the construction of entire buildings.
