Minimizing the polymer content of compressed transparent synthetic wood from renewable biomass sources: A comparative life cycle assessment

Abstract

Transparent wood derived from renewable biomass resources has an enormous potential for utilizing in constructions, electrons devices, energy storage, etc. However, due to its high polymer content, the currently described transparent wood could not be developed in a sustainable manner. Herein, a feasible strategy for synthesizing compressed transparent wood was proposed to minimize the content of polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) in composites, involving the poly(methyl methacrylate) partial-filling into the delignified wood and densification. This synthesis method prompted a substantial reduction of poly(methyl methacrylate) content (58.8%) in the obtained compressed transparent wood contrasted with the typical transparent wood (91.8% poly(methyl methacrylate) content). Besides, an ideal optical transmittance of 77.9% with 0.4 mm thickness and an optical haze of 49.2% with 0.7 mm thickness at 800 nm wavelength were achieved. Also, the improved tensile strength and flexural strength of compressed transparent wood were up to 85.0 MPa and 145.3 MPa, respectively. Additionally, a comparative life cycle assessment was conducted to assess the environmental impacts. The total environmental impact score was separately reduced by 23%, and 28% compared to the typical transparent wood and poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer, suggesting the feasibility of sustainable manufacture of transparent wood materials by decreasing polymer content. The compressed transparent wood also showed much lower thermal conductivities (0.28–0.31 W/mk) than glass and contributed to offering uniform illumination.