Description

The working basis is a sustainable material concept made of wood with novel, extraordinary properties compared to the natural raw material.The ETH (Wood Tech Group) and the EMPA developed the basis for a comprehensive use of wood as a resource as part of the National Research Programme NRP 66. In this context, a modification of wood was discovered, which brings with it new applications and design potential.

Through chemical treatment combined with compaction, the raw material wood is given new properties which lead to a tripling of tensile strength and stiffness compared to natural products. A further advantage of the natural-based material is its ability to be formed in a wet state, which allows the production of complex shapes and design elements.

 

The diversity of the material concept is demonstrated by the scientists, the technology transfer of the disciplines and the use of the "Material Diversity" method, which was developed in the context of the master thesis.