US-based company developed a modified wood it claims is stronger than steel

9 months ago

InventWood developed 'Superwood', a modified wood stronger than steel, capable of stopping bullets in lab tests.
Superwood is created by chemically treating timber to remove lignin and compressing it, reducing volume by 80% and increasing strength.
The product retains wood's attractive grain and can be made from poplar trees or bamboo, which grows quickly and helps in carbon sequestration.
Engineered wood products like glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) are already used in construction for their strength and moisture resistance.
Using CLT instead of concrete can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 10% in some buildings.
Superwood is not meant to compete with existing engineered woods but can serve as a durable, aesthetically pleasing finishing layer or external cladding.
Other companies are developing similar products, like Pollmeier's BauBuche from beech and 3RT's veneer sheets from low-value trees.
Wood products are gaining popularity in construction for their carbon storage benefits, though challenges like insurance and mortgage rates remain.
Superwood has shown fire resistance and durability against wood-eating insects, though it requires special tools for cutting.
Recycling old timber is still important, with waste wood being repurposed into new products like CLT-style panels.

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