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A US company has developed a new type of wood, called Superwood, which it says is up to 10 times stronger than steel by weight while being up to six times lighter. The product has now been launched commercially by InventWood, a company co-founded by material scientist Liangbing Hu.Over a decade ago, Hu began experimenting with ways to re-engineer wood while working at the University of Maryland. He focused on enhancing cellulose, the main component of plant fibers, to make wood stronger.Hu’s early experiments included making wood transparent by removing part of its lignin, which gives wood its color and some strength.In 2017, Hu chemically treated regular wood to strengthen its cellulose, then hot-pressed it to collapse the cellular structure. This process increased the wood’s strength-to-weight ratio to levels higher than most structural metals and alloys, according to a study published in Nature.After years of development and more than 140 patents, InventWood has now begun manufacturing Superwood at its plant in Frederick, Maryland.CEO Alex Lau said the material behaves like wood but is much stronger and lighter, potentially making buildings up to four times lighter, easier to construct, and more resistant to earthquakes. Superwood is initially aimed at external applications such as decking and cladding. Internal uses like wall paneling, flooring and furniture are planned for next year.Lau said Superwood could replace metal components in furniture, such as screws, nails, and joints, thanks to its enhanced strength and durability.The company says Superwood is up to 20 times stronger than regular wood, 10 times more resistant to dents, and resistant to fungi and insects, according to CNN. It also scores highly in fire-resistance tests. While its manufacturing has a larger carbon footprint than regular wood, emissions are 90% lower than steel production, and the company aims to make it competitive with steel rather than cheaper than wood.Unlike other engineered woods that use adhesives to combine wood pieces, Superwood is altered at the molecular level, giving it superior strength and versatility. Lau said the process works on 19 different wood species and bamboo.Timber construction has been growing globally, with skyscrapers made of wood already rising in cities such as Milwaukee. Experts note that timber has environmental benefits, storing carbon over long periods and reducing emissions compared with concrete and steel.Philip Oldfield, architecture professor at the University of New South Wales, said Superwood could allow architects to design larger spans and more durable finishes with wood, though the construction industry remains cautious. He added that increased use of timber would require better education, pilot projects and regulatory support.
