Inventwood: Stronger Than Steel Wood Production

A Novel Material Derived from Wood

What appears to be a concept from science fiction is, in reality, the outcome of research conducted at a Maryland-based laboratory.

The Discovery at the University of Maryland

In 2018, Liangbing Hu, a materials scientist affiliated with the University of Maryland, successfully developed a method for transforming conventional wood into a substance exhibiting greater strength than steel. Initially, this appeared to be another noteworthy scientific breakthrough destined to remain within the confines of academic research.

Alex Lau, CEO of InventWood, explained that numerous individuals approached Hu following the discovery. Hu, recognizing his role as a university professor, acknowledged a lack of expertise in commercializing the technology.

From Lab to Commercialization

Instead of abandoning the project, Hu dedicated the subsequent years to refining the process. He significantly reduced the production timeframe, decreasing it from over a week to just a few hours. This advancement paved the way for commercial viability, leading to a technology licensing agreement with InventWood.

The initial production runs of Superwood are scheduled to commence this summer.

Initial Applications and Future Goals

“Currently, our focus with the output from this pioneering commercial facility – which is relatively small in scale – is on skin applications,” Lau stated. “Our long-term objective is to address the structural components of buildings. Approximately 90% of the carbon footprint associated with buildings stems from the use of concrete and steel during construction.”

Funding and Investment

To facilitate the construction of the manufacturing plant, InventWood has secured $15 million in the initial closing of a Series A funding round. The Grantham Foundation spearheaded the investment, with additional participation from Baruch Future Ventures, Builders Vision, and Muus Climate Partners, as exclusively reported to TechCrunch.

The Science Behind Superwood

InventWood’s Superwood begins with standard timber, primarily composed of cellulose and lignin. The process aims to enhance the existing cellulose within the wood. “The cellulose nanocrystal possesses a strength exceeding that of carbon fiber,” Lau clarified.

The company employs chemicals commonly used in the food industry to alter the wood’s molecular structure. Subsequently, the material is compressed to augment the hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules.

Strength and Performance

“We can densify the material by a factor of four, and while one might assume a fourfold increase in strength due to the quadrupled fiber content, the actual enhancement is closer to tenfold, owing to the creation of numerous additional bonds,” Lau explained.

The resulting material exhibits 50% greater tensile strength than steel, coupled with a strength-to-weight ratio ten times superior. Furthermore, it achieves a Class A fire rating, indicating high flame resistance, and demonstrates resilience against rot and pests. With the addition of certain polymers, it can be stabilized for exterior applications such as siding, decking, or roofing.

InventWood’s initial product offerings will consist of facade materials intended for commercial and upscale residential buildings, according to Lau.

Aesthetic Qualities

The compression process also intensifies the natural colors of the wood. “The outcome is a material resembling rich, tropical hardwoods,” he added.

Future Vision

InventWood’s ultimate goal is to utilize wood chips to manufacture structural beams of any desired dimension, eliminating the need for finishing processes. “Envision I-beams with this appearance,” Lau said, presenting a Superwood sample. “They possess a beautiful aesthetic, akin to walnut or ipe – these are the inherent colors, without any staining.”