Scientists have successfully developed a type of transparent and biodegradable wood that can serve as a suitable alternative to plastic and glass. This breakthrough, presented at the American Chemical Society’s Spring Meeting, not only resembles glass in appearance but also offers exceptional durability, strength, and environmental sustainability.
One of the key features of this wood is its distinction from previous versions. While earlier methods relied on synthetic and plastic materials to achieve transparency, researchers have now succeeded in developing a fully natural and biodegradable wood. The structure of this material is based on cellulose nanowires, which not only preserve the wood’s strength but also provide high transparency.
This transparent wood has a wide range of applications and can be used in the construction of durable, thermally insulating windows, electronic displays, sensors, and solar cells. Bharat Pawar, head of the research team at Kennesaw State University, says: “One of the most important features of this wood is its impact on controlling ambient temperature. Research has shown that in enclosed spaces, using transparent wood can reduce the temperature by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius.”
The research team drew inspiration from bird nests during the development of this material. Pawar explains that some birds use fibers to construct their nests in a way that regulates light, keeping the interior cooler than the surrounding environment. This same feature is present in the new transparent wood, making it perform better than glass and plastic in hot and sunny regions.
With advancements in this technology, transparent wood is expected to soon be widely used in sustainable architecture, interior design, and the production of modern electronics. This breakthrough could play a key role in reducing plastic consumption, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting the development of green technologies.