28 votes

Transparent wood is stronger than plastic and tougher than glass

5 comments

  1. Fortner
    Link
    Every other story I've seen on transparent wood has said it doesn't last long. It turns yellow and brittle rather quickly.

    Every other story I've seen on transparent wood has said it doesn't last long. It turns yellow and brittle rather quickly.

    11 votes
  2. Deely
    Link
    Can I recommend video about making transparent wood from NileRed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUU3jW7Y9Ak? From quick reading of article it seems he uses the same approach. Previous attempt to...

    Can I recommend video about making transparent wood from NileRed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUU3jW7Y9Ak? From quick reading of article it seems he uses the same approach.
    Previous attempt to make it from NileRed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1H-323d838.

    7 votes
  3. [2]
    wowbagger
    Link
    See also: https://tildes.net/~science/1csf/why_scientists_are_making_transparent_wood
    6 votes
    1. drannex
      Link Parent
      Quick glance and it seems like the same article, just posted from two different sites. Interesting, I didn't think Scientific American or ArsTechnica did any of that sort of thing.

      Quick glance and it seems like the same article, just posted from two different sites. Interesting, I didn't think Scientific American or ArsTechnica did any of that sort of thing.

      2 votes
  4. chocobean
    Link
    Oh this is very cool. I like the explanation that the article gives for how this works. I wonder if certain kinds of wood are naturally more straight, therefore allowing thicker pieces to remain...

    Oh this is very cool. I like the explanation that the article gives for how this works. I wonder if certain kinds of wood are naturally more straight, therefore allowing thicker pieces to remain transparent. The process sounds laborious and costly though. I'm sure this could also be used in jewelery making: imagine clear or semi-transparent wood glass bracelets that are slightly different colours.

    Anyone want to try this at home?
    https://www.instructables.com/Transparent-Wood/

    Fibre glass for cars!!

    1 vote