Scalable aesthetic transparent wood for energy efficient buildings

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Building Technologies

Background:

• Energy-efficient building materials are crucial for reducing indoor energy consumption.
• Traditional materials often lack a combination of optical clarity, thermal insulation, and aesthetic appeal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable, aesthetically pleasing transparent wood with enhanced energy-saving properties.
• To evaluate its optical, thermal, UV-blocking, and mechanical characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Spatially selective delignification of wood.
• Epoxy infiltration to create transparent wood.
• Characterization of optical transmittance, haze, thermal conductivity, UV blocking, tensile strength, and toughness.

Main Results:

• Achieved ~80% optical transmittance and ~93% haze.
• Demonstrated low thermal conductivity (0.24 W m⁻¹K⁻¹).
• Exhibited high longitudinal tensile strength (91.95 MPa) and toughness (2.73 MJ m⁻³).
• Successfully scaled fabrication to 320 mm × 170 mm × 0.6 mm.

Conclusions:

• The novel transparent wood offers a promising combination of aesthetic appeal, optical performance, and energy-saving properties.
• Its mechanical robustness and scalability support its potential for widespread use in building applications like glass ceilings and rooftops.