The title, Wood that Could be Mistaken as Glass, instantly inclines itself to skepticism from the reader, at least it did for me. We all know what wood looks like and what glass looks like, and the difference couldn’t be more apparent. However our presumptions are naturally proved wrong, as we glimpse the picture of the transparent wood in comparison to the average opaque one. Researchers at University of Maryland have managed to transform wood into a solid four times stronger and clearly more transparent. This is all thanks to a simple two-step process. First, it is boiled in a warm bath of water and chemicals including sodium hydroxide which removes the wood color forming molecule called lignin. Next, epoxy was poured over the colorless wood to give it more strength. The benefits of this tougher and translucent wood is that not only is it biodegradable, but the structures that once pumped ions and water is a viable passageway for light, allowing a more direct light flow. However, the biggest translucent wood is currently about the size of a palm and thickness varying from razor thin to a centimeter. With no indication of how long this hurdle will take to overcome, consumers will just have to wait before this transparent wood can see its way into the market.
The importance of this innovation is the fact that it is not only transparent, but biodegradable and a better insulator than glass. Although this appears more beneficial for architects and home buyers, the significance is that this product, although not a byproduct of nature isn’t going to drastically harm our planet. It isn’t an unknown fact that our landfills are piling up with human waste, and this scientific finding doesn’t lead to harmful effects in our already growing landfills.
Aspects that I enjoyed about the piece were the visual images that displayed the two-step process of wood transformation and the author’s brevity. However, two areas of improvement might be the inner scientific workings behind how exactly sodium hydroxide got rid of the ligand and how the researchers formulated this approach. I think it would have given the piece a stronger scientific backbone. Although it was nice to be given a simplified digestible article, expanding upon the scientific process would have been appreciated.
Citation:
St, Nicholas. "Wood That Could Be Mistaken for Glass." The New York Times. The New York Times, 11 May 2016. Web. 15 May 2016.
Hyperlink: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/12/science/see-through-wood.html
Indira, I really enjoyed reading your current event and I think you did a great job! The title captured my attention immediately, just as you described in your opening sentences. One thing that you did a very good job on was giving the steps as to how wood can be turned transparent and stronger than before. The steps were clear, easy to read and follow along with. A second thing you did really well was in your description of the importance of this innovation. I did not see how this idea could be connected to everyday life until you mentioned the biodegradable advantages. Thirdly, I think your critique of the author and article was fair and balanced, offering what you thought could be improved.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that could make your report stronger would be the use of a direct quote from the author or scientist behind the research. This would add a tone of seriousness and validate all of your statements. A second thing that would have enhanced your report is more of your personal opinion. This addition would make your report even more interesting to read.
I chose to read your article because the title caught my eye. I learned about the new innovation of transparent wood and the immense impact it would have on both the environment and construction. I will definitely keep my eye out for the selling of such wood because I would be very interested in buying it based on the many benefits your described.
In Indira’s review, she talked about wood that could be mistaken for glass. I think she did a good job picking the article because it was on an interesting topic. Before reading her review, I hadn’t heard of wood that could look like glass. In addition, she did a good job of describing how wood can be made into a more glass-like material. She gives specific steps and includes all important chemicals, which gives the reader a clear understanding on the process. Also, she gave very good reasons as to why making this glass-like wood is important, as it is a better insulator than glass and biodegradable. One thing I think she could edit is her second sentence. She says we all know what wood and glass looks like, but I think it would’ve been a good idea to give a brief description of each since it was a little vague. Also, this would add to the writing by showing a big contrast between the two and then going on to say how they can become almost the same thing. Another thing I think she could add is a picture(s) of the wood to glass-like wood process. She talks about how she really liked those pictures from the article, so maybe she could’ve added them in her review when she describes the wood to glass-like wood process. Immediately, the title to this review made me want to read it, as I was intrigued by how wood could be turned into something like glass. The biggest thing I took away from this article is that fact that wood that looks like glass is more eco-friendly. Since it has the same characteristics as glass, I think this could be a great way for new buildings and houses to become better for the environment. Although scientists’ only have a small amount created so far, I think soon this innovated idea can become a new common building material.
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