Researchers led by Florida Atlantic University have discovered a method to reinforce wood using eco-friendly nano-iron, potentially transforming construction materials for a more sustainable future.
Researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, alongside collaborators from the University of Miami and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are using innovative chemical treatments to enhance wood properties. This advancement could revolutionize sustainable construction.
A key aspect of the study, published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, involves fortifying wood cell walls with ferrihydrite, an iron oxide mineral. This mineral is introduced into the wood through a straightforward chemical reaction involving ferric nitrate and potassium hydroxide.
Notably, this method enhances wood strength without significantly increasing its weight or compromising environmental integrity.
Transforming Red Oak for Sustainability
The research team focused on red oak, a prevalent North American hardwood.
Through a simple, eco-friendly procedure, they successfully infused the wood with nanocrystalline iron oxyhydroxide, significantly reinforcing the wood’s tiny cell walls.
“Wood, like many natural materials, has a complex structure with different layers and features at varying scales. To truly understand how wood bears loads and eventually fails, it’s essential to examine it across these different levels,” senior author Vivian Merk, an assistant professor at FAU, said in a news release. “To test our hypothesis – that adding tiny mineral crystals to the cell walls would strengthen them – we employed several types of mechanical testing at both the nanoscale and the macroscopic scale.”
Advanced Tools and Testing
The research utilized cutting-edge techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure wood properties at a nanoscale.
A specific method, AM-FM (Amplitude Modulation – Frequency Modulation), allowed for detailed surface imaging and analysis of the material’s elasticity.
Nanoindentation tests conducted within a scanning electron microscope (SEM) provided insights into the wood’s response to force. These tests were complemented by standard mechanical tests to evaluate the treated wood’s overall strength.
“By looking at wood at different levels — from the microscopic structures inside the cell walls all the way up to the full piece of wood– we were able to learn more about how to chemically improve natural materials for real-world use,” Merk added.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
“This research marks a significant advancement in sustainable materials science and a meaningful stride toward eco-friendly construction and design,” added Stella Batalama, dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “By reinforcing natural wood through environmentally conscious and cost-effective methods, our researchers are laying the groundwork for a new generation of bio-based materials that have the potential to replace traditional materials like steel and concrete in structural applications.”
The study implies that with the right treatments, bio-based materials could become viable alternatives for constructing tall buildings, bridges, furniture and flooring, potentially reducing global carbon emissions and cutting down on waste.
Source: Florida Atlantic University