In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of US scientists has developed a simple and cost-effective method to make wood harder and sharper than steel. This breakthrough not only opens up new possibilities for using wood as a durable material, but it could also have long-term benefits for the environment. Researchers at the University of Maryland have found a way to treat wood so that a knife made from it is three times sharper than a conventional steel-bladed knife. The wood itself becomes 23 times harder through the process, which involves boiling it in a solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite under high pressure. The resulting material can be used to make not only knives, but also nails and screws.
The idea of using wood as a material for knives is not new, according to study leader Teng Li. Cellulose is already a good material for making robust objects, but the problem has been the additives such as hemicellulose and lignin that keep wood soft. These substances can be easily removed by boiling the wood under high pressure, leaving only the harder parts that are needed for sharpening. The wood is then washed, dried, oiled, and ready for use. The researchers tested the durability and hardness of a prototype knife made from Linden wood and found it to be suitable for everyday use. The blade can be kept sharp by rubbing it with natural oil from time to time.
The potential applications of this new method are vast. Wood could become an ecological alternative to steel and plastic in many areas, and the fact that it can be easily composted at the end of its life cycle makes it even more attractive. The researchers also produced nails and screws using the same process, which proved to be just as hard and durable as their steel counterparts. This discovery could have a significant impact on the manufacturing industry, as well as on the environment.
