Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Scientists create ‘Superwood’ that’s 10 times stronger than steel
Concrete is the most widely used construction material because of
its high strength, durability, and versatility, combined with its low cost
and widespread availability. However, making concrete generates as much as 7%
of the world’s global carbon emissions. Though timber isn’t as strong as
concrete or steel, it has more environmental benefits because its production
processes are less intensive and its weight is much lighter, which makes the
structure more resistant to earthquakes and easier for foundations. A US company
has developed a new wood material that offers a much higher strength-to-weight
ratio than steel. What it takes to make wood much stronger and durable is a chemical
process and hot-pressing. The process seems to work for widely available wood
species and bamboo. Furthermore, the carbon emissions to produce this “superwood”
are 90% lower than manufacturing steel. The company is planning to produce
superwood for external applications like decking and cladding to start with, then
internal applications such as wall paneling and flooring, and eventually entire
buildings. When will we see wooden skyscrapers?
Read the article and learn about how superwood is produced and used.
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