SCIENTISTS CREATE SEE-THROUGH WOOD

Scientists create an opaque wood that renders it see-through and could, potentially, replace glass in construction.

As bizarre as the title may sound, scientists have figured out a way to make wood opaque with the help of some rather clever and innovative chemistry.

A new study by scientists at the University of Maryland have demonstrated the possibility of how to make wood transparent with the help of a cheap, available and rather simple chemical: hydrogen peroxide.

In the manufacturing of paper, hydrogen peroxide is used to make the paper pure white and, due to its texture, paper scatters reflected light waves to make it appear as white as possible.

The exact same principle is used in the making of transparent wood. But, filling in the texture and microscopic pores with a fine resin prevents the light from scattering and rather allows the light to pass directly through the wood.

The main potential benefit of using wood as a replacement for glass would be insulation and a far more simplified recycling process. However, there are concerns about a far higher manufacturing cost.

Take a look at the video below by YouTube channel, Later Clips, on Scientists Make See Through Wood.