InventWood, a company spun out of the University of Maryland, is preparing to mass-produce a densified wood product that boasts strength comparable to steel and alloys like titanium, while being significantly lighter. Their process removes lignin, compresses the wood, and then chemically treats it for durability. This engineered wood is aimed at replacing traditional materials in various applications like cars, airplanes, and consumer electronics, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative. InventWood has secured $20 million in funding and plans to open its first factory later this year, scaling production to meet anticipated demand.
Japanese scientists have developed a new type of plastic that dissolves completely in seawater within a matter of hours, leaving no harmful microplastics behind. This biodegradable plastic, made from cellulose nanofibers and a bio-based polymer, disintegrates rapidly in alkaline conditions similar to ocean water, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution. Unlike conventional biodegradable plastics that require high temperatures for composting, this new material breaks down in regular seawater, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the new plastic's viability. Several question the practicality of a material that dissolves in seawater for applications like fishing nets, given the constant exposure to saltwater. Others raise concerns about the potential for accidental dissolution due to rain or humidity, and the lack of clarity regarding the byproducts of the dissolving process and their environmental impact. Some doubt the feasibility of large-scale production and cost-effectiveness, while others point out the existing problem of managing plastic waste already in the ocean, suggesting that focusing on biodegradable plastics might be a better long-term solution. There's also discussion about the ambiguity of the term "dissolves" and the need for more rigorous scientific data before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness. Finally, some suggest alternative uses for this type of plastic, such as dissolvable sutures or temporary structures.
Summary of Comments ( 253 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44020832
Hacker News commenters express significant skepticism regarding InventWood's claims of producing wood stronger than steel, particularly at scale. Several point out the lack of publicly available data and peer-reviewed studies to substantiate such extraordinary claims. The discussion highlights the difference between ultimate tensile strength and specific strength (strength relative to density), questioning whether the comparison to steel is even relevant given likely density differences. Commenters also raise concerns about the environmental impact of the process, the long-term durability of the modified wood, and the actual cost compared to existing materials. Some suggest the technology may have niche applications but are doubtful about widespread replacement of steel. Several users call for more transparency and data before accepting the claims as credible.
The Hacker News post titled "InventWood is about to mass-produce wood that's stronger than steel" generated a significant discussion with a variety of perspectives on the claims made in the TechCrunch article. Several commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality and scalability of the process, particularly regarding the energy consumption required for the densification process and the potential impact on wood availability.
One commenter questioned the sustainability of using a significant portion of the world's wood supply for this process, even if it were technically feasible. They highlighted the potential environmental impact and the possibility of unintended consequences, such as driving up lumber prices. Another commenter echoed this concern, pointing out that the energy required to compress the wood to such a high density might outweigh the benefits, potentially making it less environmentally friendly than alternatives like steel or concrete.
Several commenters raised questions about the specifics of the densification process and the resulting material properties. They discussed the potential challenges in manufacturing large pieces of densified wood and the possibility of anisotropy (different properties in different directions) affecting its structural integrity. One commenter suggested that the claims of being "stronger than steel" might be misleading, possibly referring to specific strength (strength relative to weight) rather than absolute strength.
Others focused on the potential applications of this technology. While some were skeptical about its use in large-scale construction, others suggested niche applications where lightweight and strong materials are crucial, such as in aerospace or automotive industries. One commenter mentioned the potential benefits of using a renewable material like wood as a substitute for more resource-intensive materials.
A few commenters provided links to previous discussions about similar technologies and research papers related to wood densification, adding context to the current conversation and highlighting the ongoing research in this area. They also pointed out the difference between InventWood's approach and other existing wood modification techniques.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News reflected a healthy dose of skepticism about InventWood's claims, coupled with a nuanced discussion of the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of this technology. Many commenters raised important questions about the process, its environmental impact, and its ultimate feasibility as a widespread alternative to existing materials.