A new super-black wood-based material called Nxylon has been developed, absorbing over 99 percent of the light that hits it. The discovery of this material was accidental, with researchers at the University of British Columbia working on water-repelling technologies for wood using high-energy plasma gas. The application of the gas turned the ends of wood cells black, leading to the revelation of the incredible light absorption properties of Nxylon.
Properties and Applications of Nxylon
Nxylon combines the benefits of natural materials with unique structural features, making it lightweight, stiff, and easy to cut into intricate shapes. The material, named after the Greek goddess of the night Nyx and the Greek word for wood, xylon, has a velvety appearance. Super-black materials like Nxylon are valuable in industries such as astronomy, solar energy, and optics, where reduced light reflection enhances device accuracy and efficiency.
One of the key advantages of Nxylon is its use of renewable basswood without the need for complex pre-treatments, making production more cost-effective. The material has the potential to replace rare and expensive black woods like ebony, rosewood, and the black gemstone onyx. Researchers are exploring commercial partnerships for Nxylon, as it shows promise for large-scale production. The same plasma treatment technique used for Nxylon could also be applied to other woods, expanding the material’s applications.
The team behind Nxylon envisions its use in a wide range of industries, including space telescopes, luxury jewelry, wearables, and fashion accessories. The material’s ability to reduce glare and improve clarity makes it appealing for various applications. The researchers believe that Nxylon could lead to new commercial opportunities and pave the way for the development of super-black woods using plasma etching technology.
Nxylon represents a groundbreaking development in the field of materials science, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional super-black materials. Its unique properties and potential applications make it a versatile and highly sought-after material for various industries. As research continues and commercial partnerships are established, Nxylon has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about wood-based materials and their uses in modern technology and design.
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