The Discovery of Super-Black Wood-Based Material Named Nxylon

The creation of a super-black wood-based material that absorbs over 99% of light was a serendipitous discovery by researchers working on water-repelling technologies for wood at the University of British Columbia. The high-energy plasma gas used in the process turned the ends of wood cells black, leading to the identification of the new material with exceptional light absorption properties.

The material, named Nxylon, combines natural materials’ advantages with unique structural characteristics that make it lightweight, stiff, and easily moldable into intricate shapes. Nxylon has a velvety appearance, achieved by altering the surface wood structures through plasma treatment, creating indentations that enhance light absorption and reduce reflections.

Nxylon’s super-black characteristics make it a valuable asset in industries like astronomy, solar energy, and optics where minimizing light reflection enhances device efficiency. It also finds applications in art, design, wearables, and fashion accessories, offering striking visual effects and sharp color contrasts. The material’s renewable nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production without complicated pre-treatments position it as a sustainable alternative to rare and expensive black woods like ebony and rosewood.

The researchers anticipate commercial applications of Nxylon, seeking partnerships through a new startup for large-scale production. While other materials may be blacker, Nxylon’s feasibility for mass production using sustainable raw materials found in North America and Europe makes it a promising innovation with a wide range of potential uses. The team’s exploration of plasma etching techniques could pave the way for similar advancements in other wood types, revolutionizing material design and manufacturing processes.

The discovery of Nxylon represents a groundbreaking advancement in material science, blending natural elements with innovative technologies to create a super-black material with vast practical and aesthetic applications. With its potential to replace rare and costly black woods and gemstones, Nxylon opens up new possibilities for sustainable, high-performance materials in various industries, signaling a new era of environmentally conscious innovation.