Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service. Video Credit: University of Maryland

Technology USA27. October 2020

Windows Made of Wood Instead of Glass Help Reduce Carbon Footprint

American scientists have found a way to produce see-through glass made from sustainable tree products, thus reducing the use of energy caused by windows made of glass.

The see-through wood is roughly five times more thermally efficient than glass, cutting energy, economic and ecologic costs. The result is a natural cellulose which is more durable than glass with low carbon emissions that can biodegrade much faster than plastic.

The scientists used the balsa tree to produce this novel material as it is fast-growing and low-density. It is treated to a room temperature, oxidizing bath that bleaches it of nearly all visibility. The construction of regular glass comes with a heavy carbon footprint with manufacturing emissions going as high as 25,000 metric tons per year.

Source:
The Journal of Advanced Functional Materials

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