#engineered wood

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Rice University scientists have figured out a way to engineer wood to trap carbon dioxide through a potentially scalable, energy-efficient process that also makes the material stronger for use in construction.

Structural materials like steel or cement come at a high cost both in dollars and carbon dioxide emissions; building construction and use accounts for an estimated 40% of emissions. Developing sustainable alternatives to existing materials could help mitigate climate change and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Working to address both issues at once, materials scientist Muhammad Rahman and collaborators found a way to incorporate molecules of a carbon dioxide-trapping crystalline porous material into wood, according to a study published in  Cell Reports Physical Science.

"Wood is a sustainable, renewable structural material that we already use extensively," Rahman said. "Our engineered wood did exhibit greater strength than normal, untreated wood."

To achieve the feat, the network of cellulose fibers that gives wood its strength is first cleared out through a process known as delignification.

Benefits Of Engineered Wood Flooring

"...an exposed timber frame that incorporates windows looking out onto the surrounding woodland.Hawkins\Brown chose materials and construction methods to complement the building's natural setting. The primary structure is a portal frame constructed from glue-laminated timber – an engineered wood creating from glueing together several sheets of wood in parallel..."

Composites: Medium-density fiberboard

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a type of engineered wood composite that combines wood fiber residue with a resin or wax to create a “non-structural panel product” (1). It differs from plywood and particle board in that the former is made from thin sheets of wood and the latter from chips or particles. Within the category of fiberboards, it is distinguished, as the name suggests, by its density, which typically ranges between 400–800 kg/m3.

The final product created usually consists of around 80% wood fibers, with the remaining 20% being a combination of adhesives and other additives (including water). The primary resin used in commercial products is urea-formaldehyde resin, typically combined with wax. MDF was actually first invented as a way to use wood waste products generated by other industries, taking wood residues from other industries that would otherwise be burnt or sent to landfills. Though MDF and other fiberboards are primarily wood products, technically only cellulose-based fibers are required, and other biomaterials could be used in the process.

To make MDF panels, wood residue is first processed to create fiber or fiber bundles, which are then blended with the wax or resin adhesive chosen. These are shaped into mats and cured using pressure and heat. The final product can then be used in a variety of applications, most notably furniture, such as cabinets, tables, and countertops. The homogeneous density of these panels make machining easier, and tight tolerances can be allowed for when using MDF panels in a design.

As a note of caution, the urea-formaldehyde resin can create safety hazards when working with MDF. The finished, sealed product is considered non-hazardous, but anyone working with the material should exercise caution and be aware of potential off-gassing of the formaldehyde.

Sources/Further reading: ( 1 ) ( 2 - images 1 and 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 )

Wondering about the formaldehyde content of this stuff.

Given my (admittedly limited) understanding of the topic, adhesives used in glulam are moisture resistant and therefore formaldehyde emissions are low and well within the levels consider safe (i.e. the formaldehyde does not separate from the other parts of the adhesives because of the water resistant nature of the adhesives as a whole). (Here’s a source.)

However, there are a variety of adhesives used in glulam products and yes, some of them contain formaldehyde. (Have another source.)

The Global Mass Timber Market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the global push for sustainable and low-carbon construction solutions. The Mass Timber market was valued at USD 1,185 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 1,814 Million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is propelled by the increasing adoption of engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued-laminated timber (Glulam), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials such as steel and concrete. These mass timber products offer a lower carbon footprint, lighter weight, and faster installation, making them highly attractive for modern construction projects. As governments and corporations worldwide set ambitious environmental goals, the demand for sustainable building materials is set to rise.

The primary driver of the Global Mass Timber Market is the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. Mass timber helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon and replacing fossil fuel-intensive materials. Unlike steel and concrete, which require immense energy to produce, wood is a renewable resource that naturally captures and stores carbon dioxide. This process, known as carbon sequestration, means that buildings constructed with mass timber can effectively store carbon for decades. Furthermore, the production of mass timber products is less energy- and water-intensive, significantly cutting down the environmental impact. The Global Mass Timber Market is also benefiting from supportive regulations and incentives from governments, particularly in North America and Europe, which are encouraging the use of timber in both commercial and residential buildings. Advancements in building technology are also enabling the construction of taller and more complex timber structures, further expanding the market's potential.

In terms of market analysis, the Global Mass Timber Market is segmented by product type, application, and end-use . Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) holds the dominant share, accounting for over 62% of the market in 2024, due to its impressive strength, stability, and versatility in large-scale projects . The application of mass timber is broad, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, with residential and commercial sectors leading demand . Key end-uses include floor and roof systems, beams and columns, and walls, highlighting the material's structural versatility . The Global Mass Timber Market report provides detailed Global Mass Timber Market statistics and insights into these segments, offering a comprehensive view of the Global Mass Timber Market size and forecast .