This Treated Lumber Effectively Resists Both Water and Mold
Michael Hemsworth — February 15, 2020 — Eco
References: gatech.edu & newatlas
Pressure-treated wood is commonplace in building because of its ability to withstand rot but requires a slew of chemicals to be enhanced, so this treated lumber has been created as an eco alternative.
The new lumber treatment was developed by a team of researchers at Georgia Tech led by Assistant Professor Mark Losego and consists of atomic layer deposition. This process puts wood in a low-pressure chamber before flooding it with metal oxide gas; this permeates the wood and forms a coating on the inner structure to prevent the lumber from absorbing water.
The treated lumber is resistant to mold growth and is even less thermally conductive than traditional wood, which could mean less heat loss when used in building.
Image Credit: Allison Carter, Georgia Tech
The new lumber treatment was developed by a team of researchers at Georgia Tech led by Assistant Professor Mark Losego and consists of atomic layer deposition. This process puts wood in a low-pressure chamber before flooding it with metal oxide gas; this permeates the wood and forms a coating on the inner structure to prevent the lumber from absorbing water.
The treated lumber is resistant to mold growth and is even less thermally conductive than traditional wood, which could mean less heat loss when used in building.
Image Credit: Allison Carter, Georgia Tech
Trend Themes
1. Metal-infused Lumber - Innovative wood treatment using metal infusion to resist water and mold growth.
2. Eco-friendly Lumber - Pressure-treated wood alternatives that are free from harmful chemicals.
3. Thermal Conductivity Reduction - Developments which lower the thermal conductivity of materials.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Developing durable, eco-friendly wood alternatives for use in construction.
2. Furniture Manufacturing - Innovative methods to improve the longevity of wooden furnitures by protecting it against water damage and mold growth.
3. Home Appliances - Opportunities to create better insulating materials for home appliances to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
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