In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have stumbled upon a super-black wood-based material that absorbs over 99% of the light that hits it. This new material, dubbed Nxylon, was originally discovered while scientists were working on water-repelling technologies for wood using high-energy plasma gas. The application of the gas led to the creation of super-black material by turning the ends of wood cells completely black.
Properties of Nxylon
Nxylon, named after the Greek goddess of the night Nyx and the Greek word for wood, xylon, possesses a velvety appearance and boasts incredible light absorption properties. The plasma treatment alters the surface structures of the wood, introducing indentations that help capture light and reduce reflections. The unique composition of Nxylon combines natural materials with distinct structural features, making it lightweight, stiff, and easy to shape into intricate designs.
Super-black materials like Nxylon have a wide range of applications across various industries. They are particularly valuable in fields such as astronomy, solar energy, and optics, where reducing unwanted light reflection can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of devices. Super-black materials also find use in art and design, creating visually striking effects by providing a sharp contrast to bright colors nearby.
The researchers behind Nxylon believe that the material could be utilized in wearables, fashion accessories, space telescopes, and luxury jewelry items. With its renewable basswood base and simple production process, Nxylon has the potential to replace rare and expensive black woods like ebony and rosewood, as well as the black gemstone onyx. The team is now seeking commercial partnerships to further explore the possibilities of Nxylon on a larger scale.
Future Prospects
While there are materials that are even blacker than Nxylon, the practicality of producing them at scale remains a challenge. However, the discovery of Nxylon opens up new opportunities for using plasma etching to create super-black woods and potentially revolutionize the industry. With its sustainable and renewable materials widely available in North America and Europe, Nxylon could lead to innovative applications for wood in the future.
The accidental discovery of Nxylon represents a significant milestone in material science. With its exceptional light-absorbing properties, unique composition, and versatile applications, Nxylon has the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from astronomy to fashion. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of super-black materials, the future looks bright – or rather, super-black – with innovations like Nxylon leading the way.
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