Say Goodbye to Steel: U.S. Scientists Engineered a “Superwood” That’s Lighter, Stronger, and Eco-Friendly

A new wood-based material developed by scientists in the United States may soon disrupt one of the most entrenched pillars of modern manufacturing: steel. Derived from natural timber, this so-called superwood has been chemically and mechanically transformed to become stronger, tougher, and lighter than some industrial metals, all while remaining renewable and biodegradable.

First developed by researchers at the University of Maryland, the process involves removing key components from raw wood and then compressing it into a dense, fibrous structure that radically outperforms untreated timber. According to peer-reviewed tests, the resulting material boasts tensile strength comparable to high-grade alloys, while weighing a fraction of what metals typically do.

It’s not just a promising lab experiment. The material has already begun commercial production through a spin-off company and is being positioned as a low-carbon alternative for industries ranging from construction and aerospace to automotive and defense.

An Engineering Breakthrough in Two Steps

The core innovation was described in a study published in Nature and jointly authored by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including Liangbing Hu of the University of Maryland and J.Y. Zhu of the USDA Forest Service. Their process relies on two primary steps: partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose, followed by hot compression, which collapses the wood’s cellular structure and aligns its internal fibers.

This treatment results in a dense wood material with a strength-to-weight ratio greater than most structural metals. The team measured a more than tenfold increase in mechanical strength, including a compressive strength of over 160 MPa and a flexural strength above 330 MPa, depending on direction and wood species.

A detailed USDA Forest Service report confirmed these metrics and emphasized the material’s enhanced dimensional stability, even under high humidity—one of the key weaknesses of traditional wood products. Unlike most engineered wood, the densified version resists expansion, microbial decay, and fire exposure, making it viable in demanding environments.

Small-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy further revealed that the process leads to well-aligned cellulose nanofibers, a configuration that enables dense hydrogen bonding. This internal structure dramatically increases the material’s resistance to deformation and fracture.

Lighter Than Metal, Tougher Than It Looks

What makes superwood so compelling is not just its strength, but how it performs at scale. The densified material is roughly six times lighter than steel, yet in many configurations is stronger on a per-weight basis. As shown in ballistic testing referenced in the Nature study, densified wood absorbs significantly more kinetic energy than untreated wood—making it viable for armor and impact-resistant applications.

A comparison of various wood species found that densified oak, poplar, pine, and cedar all exhibited large improvements. For instance, densified oak reached a tensile strength of 584 MPa, compared to just 115 MPa in its natural form. The work of fracture—a metric of toughness—also increased significantly, showing potential not just for rigid structures but for parts subject to repeated stress.

These mechanical benefits open the door for lightweight construction panels, structural reinforcements, and even aerospace components, especially in sectors trying to shed weight for fuel efficiency or sustainability gains.

Commercial Launch and Climate Implications

Unlike many experimental materials that fade from view after initial hype, superwood is now entering the marketplace. In 2025, Liangbing Hu launched a company called InventWood to scale production and license the material to manufacturers. Backed by early-stage climate-tech investors, the company has begun limited production and is exploring applications in transportation, architecture, and fire-safe building systems.

A major advantage lies in its carbon footprint. Traditional steelmaking accounts for an estimated 7% of global carbon emissions, largely due to the high energy required for smelting. In contrast, superwood is produced at much lower temperatures and without fossil fuel-intensive steps. The Nature paper estimates a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to steel, making it a potentially transformative material for low-carbon economies.

Moreover, the raw input—wood—is widely available and renewable, further insulating the supply chain from geopolitical risks and commodity price volatility that frequently affect metal markets.

NOTE – This article was originally published in Indian Defence Review and can be viewed here