A new material called Nxylon, made from wood with a unique surface structure, has the potential for significant applications across various fields.
A research team from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada has successfully developed a super black material that can absorb up to 99.3% of light.
The plasma-treated wood sample retains its black color after being coated with gold metal. This indicates that the light absorption is structural (Image: UBC).
Interestingly, the scientists accidentally discovered the formula for creating this material while researching waterproofing wood using high-energy plasma gas.
They found that using this gas caused the wood cells to turn completely black, demonstrating an almost absolute light absorption property. The material has been named Nxylon, inspired by Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night.
“The composition of Nxylon combines the benefits of natural materials with unique structural characteristics, making it lightweight, strong, and easy to cut into complex shapes,” said Philip Evans, a materials scientist at UBC.
In the research report, the scientists stated that the material’s light-absorbing ability comes from the dimples on its surface. These are believed to absorb up to 99.3% of light and minimize any reflection.
Even when a gold alloy is applied to the material, it retains its black color. This shows that the wood has truly undergone a fundamental reconfiguration as a result of the transformation.
Prototype watch made from super black material (Image: UBC).
According to Science Alert, super black materials hold value in industries such as astronomy, solar energy, and optics. They enhance the accuracy and efficiency of devices by reducing unwanted light reflection.
This type of material is also popular in art and design, as the “super black” color creates striking visual effects with sharp contrast against any bright tones when in proximity.
Although science has discovered even darker materials capable of absorbing more light, this new material shows great promise for large-scale manufacturing feasibility.
The research team believes that Nxylon has several advantages. First, it uses wood (specifically, bodhi wood), a renewable material. It also does not require complex pre-processing, which helps reduce costs and makes material production more feasible.
The researchers are confident that Nxylon could replace rare, expensive black woods such as ebony and rosewood. Additionally, it could serve as a substitute for gemstones like onyx.
