See-through wood eyed for smartphone displays

In Sweden, researchers from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the University of Maryland think see-through wood could be a viable alternative to glass and plastic for device displays like smartphone screens.

The international group has developed a process that removes or bleaches lignin, the source of wood’s brown color. Epoxy resin is then injected into the remaining wood, creating a material that is stronger than plexiglass and glass.

The work is described in more detail in a recent issue of Scientific American. The team is now working on alternatives to the epoxy resin, including hydrogen peroxide with ultraviolet radiation or a polymer alternative made from citrus waste, to improve the sustainability credentials of the process.