What is transparent wood?
“The invention of transparent wood was announced way back in 2016. However, it was only in 2020 that tests were completed, and a stable result was achieved. Transparent wood is at least 5 times stronger, lighter than glass, and more thermally efficient. These characteristics make it an attractive potential replacement for plastic or glass windows. The raw material is renewable and eco-friendly.
PlanRadar
The tree used is called a “balsa tree”. It grows quickly, with a tree growing to adulthood in just 5 years. Production costs are also much lower than glass production, with a noticeable carbon footprint due to the high temperatures required and the electricity used.
Transparent wood or wooden glass can be used instead of traditional glass units or other elements in building structures that must be transparent but also durable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient. Transparent wood is quite flexible, as it contains natural cellulose. To achieve transparency, balsa wood is soaked in a special solution, and then epoxy resin is added to the structure.”
