University of Maryland

The Center for Advanced Renewable Biomaterials at the University of Maryland has created a super-lightweight insulator from chemically-modified nanoscopic wood fibers. The nanowood material mimics the rigid structure of natural wood. It blocks 10 times more heat than Styrofoam and features a strength-to-weight ratio that outperforms silica, wool, Styrofoam, and polymer aerogels. The material’s white color also allows it to reflect light, and its organic composition makes it biodegradable.

According to the research team, nanowood could be manufactured at scale using fast-growing and inexpensive tree fibers, such as balsa wood, and used in the same applications as any other insulator, including construction applications. Nanowood could help insulate houses better, making them more energy-efficient, says Liangbing Hu, director of the Center for Advanced Renewable Biomaterials and co-founder of the Inventwood laboratory. The Inventwood team is developing commercial applications and expects to have a product available in the next year.