Chinese scientists have created transparent bamboo - a fireproof and waterproof alternative to glass

New Atlas, citing the Central South University of Forestry and Technology (China), talked about plant-based glass replacement. Transparent bamboo is more environmentally friendly, cheaper and safer, the inventors are sure.

To make the plant transparent, scientists removed lignin from it, a woody polymer responsible for color and density. The cleaned bamboo was then filled with sodium silicate. This substance changes the refraction of light, causing the material to become transparent. The last stage is the application of a special coating for resistance to water and fire.

The innovation has a light transmittance of 71.6% and a bending strength of 7.6 GPa versus 0.10 GPa of glass. The production of the material is more environmentally friendly, as less carbon dioxide is released. The resource itself is quickly restored, which will make it possible to produce “bamboo glass” on a production scale.

Based on materials from: ecopravda.ru