To create the transparent wood, researchers chemically removed lignin from samples of commercial balsa wood. Three years ago, lead investigator Professor Lars Berglund and colleagues at KTH reported an optically transparent wood in the journal Biomacromolecules. The light-diffusing timber is also able to absorb, and release heat, potentially saving people money on energy costs. In addition to its thermal-storage capabilities, the researchers say that the transparent wood could be easier to dispose of apart from the acrylic. The researchers estimate that transparent wood could be available for niche applications in interior design in as little as five years.

Source: Daily Mail April 03, 2019 09:01 UTC