In a recent breakthrough, researchers unintentionally stumbled upon a super-black wood-based material that absorbs more than 99 percent of light. The material, named Nxylon, was discovered during experiments on water-repelling technologies for wood using high-energy plasma gas. This accidental discovery led to the realization of the material’s incredible light absorption properties. Nxylon combines the benefits of natural materials with unique structural features, making it lightweight, stiff, and easy to manipulate into intricate shapes. The velvety appearance of Nxylon is the result of plasma treatment, which changes the surface structures of wood by introducing indentations to capture light and reduce reflections.
Nxylon’s super-black properties make it valuable in various industries such as astronomy, solar energy, optics, art, and design. In astronomy, super-black materials like Nxylon reduce glare and improve clarity on telescopes. Additionally, the sharp contrast created by super-black materials is visually striking, making them popular in art and design. Nxylon could also be used in wearables, fashion accessories, and luxury jewelry items due to its unique properties. The potential applications of Nxylon are vast, and the material could potentially replace rare and expensive black woods and gemstones such as ebony, rosewood, and onyx.
One of the significant advantages of Nxylon is that it is made from renewable materials, specifically basswood. The material does not require complicated pre-treatments, reducing costs and making production more feasible. Researchers believe that Nxylon could lead to commercial applications of plasma etching technology for creating super-black woods. The affordability and sustainability of Nxylon make it a promising alternative to existing black materials, opening up new possibilities for the use of wood in various industries.
While there are materials that are even blacker than Nxylon, the discovery of this super-black wood-based material shows promise in terms of scalability and commercial production. The same plasma etching technique used to create Nxylon could potentially be applied to other types of wood, expanding the possibilities for super-black materials. The researchers behind Nxylon are seeking commercial partnerships through a new startup, aiming to bring this innovative material to the market. With the potential to revolutionize industries such as astronomy, fashion, and design, Nxylon represents a new frontier in the utilization of sustainable materials for cutting-edge applications. Working towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, Nxylon showcases the endless possibilities of combining natural materials with advanced technologies.
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