Chemical Modification of Wood Could Replace Concrete With Iron-Infused Timber

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University, the University of Miami, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a process to enhance the strength and durability of wood, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete, the Sustainability Times reported (5-2-25). By infusing red oak with ferrihydrite, a naturally occurring iron oxide mineral, they’ve created a material that is stronger and more resilient without adding significant weight or altering its natural appearance.

The process involves a chemical treatment using ferric nitrate and potassium hydroxide to introduce nano-scale minerals into the wood’s cell walls. The result is a high-performance material that retains wood’s natural flexibility and aesthetics while greatly improving its structural integrity.

This innovation could have far-reaching implications for construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing, the Sustainability Times reported. It’s cost-effective and supports broader sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and construction waste.