Transparent Wood: A Biodegradable Alternative with Electrical Conductivity

Imagine a world where smartphones boast wooden touchscreens and homes feature wooden windows. Researchers at Kennesaw State University are pioneering transparent wood, a sturdy, eco-friendly alternative to plastic, with enhanced biodegradability and electrical conductivity. Bharat Baruah, a professor of chemistry, inspired by his woodworking hobby and ancient Indian construction techniques, sought to create a natural, biodegradable material. Traditional transparent wood often incorporates plastics for strength, but Baruah's team looked to nature for solutions. Using balsa wood, the team extracted lignin and hemicellulose, leaving a cellulose network. This network was then filled with an egg white and rice extract mixture, along with a curing agent, resulting in durable, flexible, semi-transparent wood slices. The team tested the material's energy efficiency by renovating a birdhouse with a transparent wood window. Results showed the interior was 9-11 degrees Fahrenheit cooler compared to glass, suggesting its potential as an energy-efficient window alternative. Furthermore, incorporating silver nanowires into the wood made it electrically conductive, opening doors for applications in wearable sensors and solar cell coatings. While silver nanowires aren't biodegradable, the team aims to explore other conductive materials like graphene for fully natural transparent woods. Baruah emphasizes the project's use of inexpensive materials, encouraging students to pursue impactful research without significant financial investment.