So, Xiaohang Sun and Qiang Chen set out to develop a hydrogel that would disperse acid- and microbe-fighting compounds through the wood and gradually dissolve over time to avoid surface damage.

Unfortunately, peeling off these gels can damage the wood’s surface. This is where the newly developed hydrogel comes in. The material dissolves over time, eliminating the need for physical ...

While sustainably-grown wood can be an economical and eco-friendly building material, its relatively low tensile strength limits its potential applications. That could soon change, however ...