Researchers have managed to create a hardened wood material that can be three times sharper than a stainless steel dinner knife, as per the new study on the work. The invention comes from the University of Maryland’s Teng Li and a team that developed a technique to produce extremely hard wood.
The development of such materials could lead to more sustainable building materials. Wood contains around 40-50 percent cellulose, with the rest of the material comprised of binders known as lignin and hemicellulose.
Can be useful in many cases
While cellulose features a greater strength-to-density ratio compared to other materials such as metal and ceramic, the binder materials make wood overall weaker than man-made counterparts. In the new study, the scientists stripped away weaker binding materials and left cellulose untouched.
This process requires the removal of the lignin that results in what the researchers say is a soft material. That lignin-free wood is then subjected to pressure and hear through a hot press to remove the water and increase the density. A coating of mineral oil is applied to increase the lifespan of the wood.
It results in an incredibly hard wood that can come in handy for things such as dishwasher-safe knives and even nails that can pound through boards without damage. Additionally, it’s an environment-friendly alternative to man-made materials such as stainless steel. Besides, there are other benefits like no rusting and increased longevity of an outdoor building made using metal nails.
More research is required for the material
The team says additional research is required on the hardened wood product to confirm whether this processing method reduces environmental impact in comparison to man-made materials. However, the material does show potential for durable wood-based items in the future, including hardwood floors that can handle wear and tear, and other daily objects like durable chopping boards.
Previously, Bioengineers at UCLA developed a soft and flexible self-powered bioelectronic device that can generate the power required for them to function using body motion. This motion includes bending of an elbow to the movement generated by the pulse on a wrist.
