Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Alternative to Glass Using Egg Whites and Rice
Could the windows and smartphone screens of tomorrow be made from transparent wood? Researchers have created a remarkable new material by combining wood with egg whites and rice extract—resulting in a biodegradable alternative to traditional glass and plastic.
Why Transparent Wood?
- Better insulation than glass
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Sustainable alternative to plastic in electronics
Previous attempts at transparent wood relied on synthetic epoxy, making the material non-biodegradable. Now, a team at Kennesaw State University has developed a natural, compostable version using egg whites and rice extract—inspired by ancient Indian construction techniques.
How It’s Made: A Natural Approach
The process involves:
- Stripping the wood of lignin (the compound that makes wood opaque)
- Infusing it with a mixture of egg white and rice extract
- Drying to create a semi-transparent, slightly brown-tinted sheet
“It’s not 100% transparent, but it’s biodegradable and easy to produce,” says Bharat Baruah, lead researcher.
Ancient Inspiration Meets Modern Science
Baruah took cues from 16th-century buildings in Assam, India, where egg whites, rice, and sand were used as a durable cement. “Those structures still stand today,” he notes.
Real-World Testing: A Cooler Alternative to Glass
To demonstrate its potential, the team built a birdhouse with a transparent wood window and compared it to one with glass:
- 5–6°C (9–11°F) cooler inside than the glass version
- Better insulation could reduce energy costs in buildings
Next Steps for Transparent Wood
Researchers are now working to:
✔ Improve transparency
✔ Test strength and durability
✔ Optimize thermal properties
If successful, this material could revolutionize sustainable architecture and electronics, offering a compostable alternative to traditional materials.
Source:
American Chemical Society Spring Meeting (2024)
Image Credits:
- Transparent wood samples (research team)
- Ancient Assam architecture (historical reference)
Would you use a phone with a wooden screen? Let us know in the comments!