
ARTICLE Transparent wood could replace glass in solar cells, and buildings A transparent wood material claimed to be suitable for mass production could replace windows and solar panels in the future, say researchers at Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of Technology. |
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UMD researchers patented their process, which, similar to the Swedish study, begins with bleaching the lignin from the wood, then soaking the wood in epoxy, adding strength back in and making the wood clearer. While the Swedish study used Balsa wood in 10- by 10-centimeter pieces, the UMD team initially used tiny squares of linden wood about two by two centimeters. Researchers from both studies say there is potential for the process to be used on larger pieces of wood.
Transparent wood is also sturdier than traditional wood, researchers say, and can be used in place of less environmentally friendly materials, such as plastics. It could potentially transform architecture by enabling novel structures such as load-bearing windows. Such elements could also yield improvements in energy efficiency over glass or other traditional materials.

ARTICLE Masterfully steam-bent walnut furniture debuts in exhibition South Korean designer Bae Se Hwa masterfully steam bends slices of walnut into curvy chairs, benches, and desks. |
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This advancement in the study of transparent wood brings us closer to the possibility of more environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient windows and greenhouses, which has been the goal of prior research.


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