Transparent bamboo offers challenge to silica glass

Developed by Professors Yiqiang Wu and Caichao Wan and their team, the material features a three-layered flame-retardant barrier, effectively reducing heat release, slowing flame spread, and restraining the emission of combustible volatiles, toxic smoke, and carbon monoxide (CO). Their findings are detailed in Research.

Silica glass has seen increased adoption as an essential building material over the past 50 years and its versatility is reflected in global glass production, which reached approximately 130 million tons in 2020. 

In a statement, Professor C. Wan, corresponding author of the paper, said: "Despite its numerous advantages such as high transparency and the availability of raw materials, traditional silica glass still grapples with challenges including brittleness, high density, and substantial CO₂ emissions and greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process."

Properties of transparent wood products include high transparency, excellent mechanical strength, and superior thermal insulation.

Limitations associated with the utilisation of transparent wood include global wood scarcity, particularly in China; the use of polymers that make it susceptible to fire; and the need to further enhance the functional properties of transparent wood beyond its basic optical and mechanical attributes.