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Transparent Wood Materials

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 330))

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Abstract

Wood is an available and sustainable substrate which has the potential for large-scale nanotechnology functionalization. Most materials used in optical lighting applications must create a homogeneous illumination and have high mechanical and hydrophobic requirements. But they are rarely environmentally beneficial. The large heat loss/gain through windows contributes to high energy consumption in buildings. Furthermore, the traditional glass fabrication method causes numerous environmental issues. Transparent wood-based composites are gaining importance in smart window applications. To save energy, a novel material called optically transparent wood is being developed for light-transmitting structures in buildings. This material combines optical and mechanical performance. Buildings that are eco-friendly and energy efficient are desirable from a sustainability standpoint, especially considering the current global energy and environmental crisis. Therefore, this chapter highlights the recent progress and applications of transparent wood in the field of smart windows.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Trnava, Slovakia

    Igor Wachter

  2. Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Trnava, Slovakia

    Peter Rantuch

  3. Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Trnava, Slovakia

    Tomáš Štefko

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  1. Igor Wachter
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  2. Peter Rantuch
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  3. Tomáš Štefko
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Correspondence to Igor Wachter .

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Wachter, I., Rantuch, P., Štefko, T. (2023). Smart Windows. In: Transparent Wood Materials. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 330. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23405-7_7

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