US Scientists Unveil “Superwood” That Could Outperform Steel

In a potential game-changer for sustainable manufacturing, a team of US researchers has developed an engineered wood material—dubbed Superwood—that is stronger than some metals, lighter than aluminum, and environmentally friendly.

Developed by scientists at the University of Maryland, Superwood is produced by partially removing lignin and hemicellulose from natural wood, then compressing it under heat. This process realigns the wood’s internal fibers and dramatically increases its density. The result: a material with tensile strength rivaling high-grade alloys, while weighing just a fraction of traditional metals.

Lab tests have demonstrated a more than tenfold increase in mechanical strength, with compressive and flexural strengths reaching impressively high levels depending on the type of wood. The material’s fiber alignment and hydrogen bonding give it extraordinary resistance to bending, fracture, and deformation.

Superwood also boasts real-world durability. It resists expansion under humid conditions, microbial decay, and even fire — overcoming common weaknesses of engineered wood. In impact tests, it absorbs significantly more kinetic energy than untreated timber, suggesting potential use in protective applications like armor or structural reinforcements.

Commercially, the spin-off company InventWood has already begun limited production. The firm envisions Superwood being used in construction panels, aerospace parts, and lightweight building elements. Because its production emits substantially less carbon than steel—and relies on renewable wood—the material could help reduce industry emissions and dependence on traditional metals. As InventWood scales up, Superwood looks set to challenge conventional notions of strength, sustainability, and innovation in modern manufacturing.