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Russian scientists create coating technique to strengthen wood tissue

The new material could be suitable for electrical transmission towers, columns, building construction components such as trusses and frames, bridges, and lampposts

© Vladimir Smirnov/ TASS, archive

MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. Researchers from Institute of Engineering and Building at Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) have invented a technique of improving wood tissue, said the media service of SPbPU. According to the scientists, they have managed to turn wood into a hybrid wood-polymer nanocomposite with advanced properties.

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Scientists suggest creating a bank of wood samples to fight illegal logging

"The new materials by far exceeds raw wood in durability and longevity with the best properties of wood remaining untouched, " the researchers elaborated.

Professor at SPbPU Andrey Ponomarev and Ph.D. student Alexander Rassochin suggested impregnating the wood with an epoxy-based coating then covering it with a grid of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and finally spreading a protective coating called "EpoxyPAN" developed at SPbPU. The combination of the base coating, carbon plastic, and protective material makes the wood more durable and water- and fire-resistant.

The new material could be suitable for electrical transmission towers, columns, building construction components such as trusses and frames, bridges, and lampposts, as it about 40% lighter than its metal analogues and 10% cheaper.

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