In a groundbreaking development that blurs the line between science fiction and reality, Liangbing Hu, a materials scientist at the University of Maryland, has transformed standard wood into a remarkable material that outperforms steel in strength. This discovery, made in 2018, initially appeared to be just another scientific breakthrough potentially confined to laboratory settings, but Hu’s persistent drive has led to its commercialisation.
Alex Lau, CEO of InventWood, noted the initial interest sparked by Hu’s invention. While Hu was excited, he recognised that as an academic, he needed guidance for moving his invention beyond the lab. Rather than abandoning the project, Hu dedicated several years to refining the technology, successfully reducing production time from over a week to just a few hours. This made the material ready for commercial viability, culminating in a partnership with InventWood.
InventWood is on track to launch its first batches of “Superwood” this summer from a newly established factory, which has raised $15 million in its initial Series A funding round. This investment, led by the Grantham Foundation and backed by other venture partners, supports the development of innovative applications for their product.
Initially, InventWood plans to focus on applications for building facades, with aspirations to expand into structural uses that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction. This is particularly relevant, as concrete and steel contribute heavily to carbon emissions in building materials.
Superwood is derived from regular timber, leveraging its primary components—cellulose and lignin. Lau explained the enhancement process, where they utilise food-safe chemicals to modify lignin and compress the timber to enhance hydrogen bonding within the cellulose. This intricate treatment results in a material that boasts 10 times the strength compared to its original form, rather than the expected fourfold increase due to the additional bonding.
The final product exhibits an impressive tensile strength that surpasses steel by 50%, while also being remarkably lightweight. Superwood is designed to be fire-resistant, durable against rot and pests, and can be treated for outdoor applications, such as siding and roofing. The aesthetics of Superwood, which mimics the richness of tropical hardwoods, enhances its appeal.
Looking ahead, InventWood envisions creating structural beams from wood chips, offering both functionality and beauty in construction. Lau illustrated this potential by displaying samples of Superwood, which showcase natural colours without any staining. This innovative approach not only highlights the versatility of wood but also paves the way for sustainable building practices that reduce reliance on traditional, carbon-intensive materials.
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