Investigation of The Physical and Chemical Properties of Transparent Wood Produced from Poplar Wood
Abstract
This study examines the physical properties of transparent wood produced from poplar trees in order to meet the growing interest in sustainable building materials. Samples were cut into 20×20×1 mm pieces in two different directions, crosswise and lengthwise, and subjected to lignin removal, glycerin impregnation, and epoxy coating processes. Optical analyses revealed light transmittance of 85% and haze of 7% in transverse sections, and 65% and 32%, respectively, in longitudinal sections. FTIR and EDAX analyses confirmed that lignin was effectively removed and cellulose was preserved. SEM images show that the fibrous and porous structure has been preserved, while XRD analyses reveal that the material is predominantly amorphous in structure. The results show that transparent wood has high optical transmittance and is a suitable material for architectural elements, energy-efficient windows, and narrow, dimly lit interior spaces. In this regard, transparent wood has the potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
Keywords
Transparent wood, Optical transmittance, Physical properties, Chemical properties
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