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Sustainable Transparent Wood from Citrus Peel Extract

Date:May 04, 2021

Country: Sweden

Plant Name:

    Fruits

Residue Name:

    Peels

End Products

Construction materials

transparent wood, windows

Application

  • Smart windows with enhanced transparency and energy efficiency.
  • Eco-friendly lighting and heat storage solutions using transparent wood.

Description

Scientists at Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a sustainable version of transparent wood by using a monomer derived from citrus peel extract (limonene). This eco-friendly material, which replaces synthetic polymers, offers enhanced transparency, strength, and elasticity. With optical transmittance of 90% and low haze, it holds promise for applications in smart windows, lighting, and heat storage. The research opens up innovative possibilities for environmentally friendly construction materials.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The process begins with the delignification of wood, which removes its color and rigidity by extracting lignin. The resulting porous material is then filled with limonene acrylate, a monomer derived from citrus peel extract. This eco-friendly filling enhances the wood's transparency and strength, resulting in a final material that achieves high optical transmittance and is suitable for structural applications

Source: Know More...

Tags: Transparent Wood InnovationLimonene Based MaterialsRenewable Building Materials

End Products

Construction materials

transparent wood, windows

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Secondary agricultural residue

Name

Citrus peel

Form

Extracted monomer (limonene acrylate)

Commercials

Byproduct of the orange juice industry

Logistics

Sourced as waste from citrus juice production; transported to monomer production facilities

Characteristics

Provides high optical transmittance and mechanical strength when used in wood

Pathways

Chemical

Delignification

Stakeholders

Educational Institution

KTH Royal Institute of Technology