Making wood as strong as steel!

Summary

InventWood, a Maryland-based company, has developed a revolutionary material called MettleWood, which transforms wood into a dense, strong, and eco-friendly alternative to steel and aluminum. By removing air and compressing the wood, they enhance the natural lignin to create a product stronger than steel. MettleWood is made from 100% wood, has a lower CO2 footprint, and is cost-effective. The company is currently building a pilot plant to produce and demonstrate the mass production of this innovative material, which has potential applications in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The material MettleWood is created by densifying wood fibers to 1/5 of their original volume, making it stronger than steel.
• 🔥 The process involves removing air from the wood and softening the lignin, a natural glue within the wood, which then repolymerizes to bind the fibers tightly.
• 📏 The initial thickness of the wood boards used in the demonstration was one inch, highlighting the significant reduction in volume.
• 🏗️ MettleWood aims to replace steel and aluminum in construction, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
• 🌿 The material is made from 100% wood, specifically poplar in the example, but can be produced from any wood species.
• 🔨 MettleWood has a tensile strength of 550 megapascals in the grain direction, comparable to steel.
• 🏡 The company is developing applications for MettleWood in various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace.
• 🔄 The technology also allows for the creation of engineered composites and shapes, such as honeycomb structures for high compressive strength.
• 🔄 The company, InventWood, is a spinoff from the University of Maryland and is currently building a pilot plant in Frederick, Maryland.
• 💰 Funding for InventWood comes from a grant by ARPA-E, the Department of Energy, and private investors, supporting the development of sustainable materials.
• 🌐 The script also addresses the importance of engaging with political discussions as they impact engineering and technology sectors.

Q & A

What is MettleWood and how is it different from regular wood?

MettleWood is a new material that involves taking the fiber from regular wood and densifying it to 1/5 of its original volume. The process involves removing air from the wood and softening lignin, a natural glue within the wood, which allows for compression. The lignin then repolymerizes, making the wood stronger than steel and resulting in a darker color due to the concentration of lignin.

How is MettleWood made stronger than steel?

MettleWood is made stronger than steel by a process that involves heating the wood and saturating it with a liquid that softens the lignin. This softened lignin allows the wood fibers to be compressed under intense pressure. When densified, the fibers form exponentially more bonds, which is what gives MettleWood its strength.

What is the significance of the lignin in the creation of MettleWood?

Lignin is a natural substance within wood that acts like a glue, holding cellulose fibers together. In the process of creating MettleWood, the lignin is softened, allowing the wood fibers to be compressed. After compression, the lignin repolymerizes and resolidifies, forming a stronger bond that contributes to the material's strength.

Can MettleWood be made from any type of wood?

Yes, MettleWood can be made from any species of wood. In the script, it is mentioned that the material can be made from poplar, but it is also stated that any species can be used in the process.

What are the environmental benefits of using MettleWood?

MettleWood has a net negative CO2 footprint, meaning it helps in carbon capture. It is made from 100% wood, which is a renewable resource, and its production does not rely on mining like steel or aluminum. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials.

How does MettleWood compare to steel in terms of cost and weight?

MettleWood is stated to be half the cost to produce compared to steel or aluminum. Additionally, due to its lightweight nature, it offers a significant advantage in terms of weight, which can be beneficial in various applications such as construction and automotive components.

What is the tensile strength of MettleWood in the grain direction?

MettleWood has a tensile strength of 550 megapascals in the grain direction, which is a measure of its ability to withstand breaking or tearing when subjected to tensile stress.

What are some potential applications of MettleWood?

MettleWood has a wide range of potential applications. It can be used to replace steel beams and columns in construction, as well as in the creation of engineered wall panels, doors, door cores, and even in the automotive industry for components like roof structures for Tesla cars.

What is the current stage of MettleWood's production?

MettleWood is currently in the pilot plant stage. A facility is being built in Frederick, Maryland, with the goal of producing a million square feet of MettleWood per year. The initial focus will be on producing siding, which is fireproof and bulletproof.

How does MettleWood address the issue of mass timber in construction?

Mass timber is used to build tall buildings with wood, but it has the issue of volume. MettleWood addresses this by reducing the volume of the mass timber while maintaining its strength, allowing for the construction of tall buildings with the same ease as with steel, at half the cost.

What is the fire resistance of MettleWood and how is it classified?

MettleWood is classified as ESTM 8E-84 fireproof, which means it is non-combustible. It chars and self-extinguishes, making it a safe material for construction.

What is the source of funding for InventWood, the company behind MettleWood?

InventWood received a grant from ARPA-E, the Department of Energy, due to the carbon capture nature of MettleWood. They are also now working with private investors to become self-sustaining.