InventWood's Superwood: Stronger Than Steel
InventWood is poised to disrupt the construction industry with its groundbreaking material, Superwood. This isn't your average lumber; it's a significantly enhanced wood product boasting remarkable properties that surpass traditional materials like steel.
From Lab to Market
Born from research at the University of Maryland, the technology behind Superwood has undergone significant refinement. What once took over a week to produce now takes mere hours, paving the way for commercial-scale production. The company's initial focus is on exterior applications for buildings, though the long-term vision is far more ambitious.
The Science of Superwood
The process leverages the inherent strength of cellulose nanocrystals within wood. By employing a proprietary treatment using food-grade chemicals and employing a compression process, InventWood drastically increases the hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules. This results in a material that is not only stronger but also more resistant to fire, rot, and pests.
Unprecedented Strength and Sustainability
The resulting Superwood possesses a tensile strength 50% greater than steel, with a tenfold improvement in strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it an incredibly efficient and strong building material. Moreover, its natural beauty is enhanced by the process, showcasing richer, deeper colors. The company envisions eventually creating structural beams of any dimension, eliminating the need for additional finishing.
A Sustainable Future
With a significant portion of a building's carbon footprint stemming from concrete and steel, Superwood offers a sustainable alternative. InventWood's initial focus on facade materials represents a crucial first step towards a future where this revolutionary material can replace steel and concrete in various structural applications, leading to more environmentally friendly buildings.
Source: TechCrunch