A substance from citrus fruits made clear wood 100% renewable

In order for the new material to decompose, the scientists used an extract from orange juice: it is needed for

creating a polymer that restores the strength of delignified wood and transmits light.

The new composite provides opticaltransmittance is 90% and has a thickness of 1.2 mm. Unlike other transparent wood composites developed over the past five years, the new material is intended for structural use. It has high mechanical characteristics: strength 174 MPa (25.2 ksi) and elasticity 17 GPa (or about 2.5 MPa).

The material is made without solvents and all chemicals are derived from bio-based raw materials.

The new development can be used in smart homes, and wood can alsostore heat or turn on the lighting function. 

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