MettleWood compressed timber for engineering applications

InventWood have created a type of compressed wood they call MettleWood, suitable for demanding load-bearing applications. The process involves dismantling the lignin that bonds the cellulose fibres. This softens the wood and allows the cellulose fibres to be packed more tightly via evaporation of the water content. The wood is then swelled with water in a rapid process that “shocks” it to form a distinct partially open, wrinkled cell wall structure that provides space for compression as well as the ability to support high strain. The wood is compressed, finished and sealed to form the final profile. The process significantly increases strength and stiffness, which the company claims makes it more competitive with structural metals such as steel and aluminium alloy. Image InventWood.