This experiment is part of the SCIENCE ENGINE Challenge Grant. Browse more projects

New practicable, eco-friendly methods in the generation of sustainable transparent wood materials

$2,823
Raised of $1,735 Goal
162%
Funded on 1/13/23
Successfully Funded
  • $2,823
    pledged
  • 162%
    funded
  • Funded
    on 1/13/23

Bleaching Protocol

Attain Balsa or Bass wood and cut wood samples in the transverse orientation with a band saw at approximately 5cm x 5cm x (0.33 - 0.50)cm. Sand the surfaces with 180p sandpaper on orbital sander to eliminate saw marks. Prepare or attain a 30% wt H2O2 bleaching solution and a 10% NaOH solution. Brush NaOH over desired bleaching area; subsequently, apply H2O2 in the same manner. Place wood samples under a UV-A (375 - 400nm) light for photocatalysis of the lignin depolymerization. Allow wood samples to rest under UV-A light until samples are visibly white (time will depend on the size of the wood sample and the area bleached).


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