Bioinspired Wood Nanotechnology for Functional Materials

Abstract

It is a challenging task to realize the vision of hierarchically structured nanomaterials for large-scale applications. Herein, the biomaterial wood as a large-scale biotemplate for functionalization at multiple scales is discussed, to provide an increased property range to this renewable and CO₂-storing bioresource, which is available at low cost and in large quantities. The Progress Report reviews the emerging field of functional wood materials in view of the specific features of the structural template and novel nanotechnological approaches for the development of wood–polymer composites and wood–mineral hybrids for advanced property profiles and new functions.

Wood, as a biomaterial, can be used as a large-scale bioscaffold and template for functionalization at multiple scales in a top-down approach. This emerging research field is reviewed by discussing nanotechnological approaches for the development of wood–polymer composites and wood–mineral hybrids, as well as wood-based devices for advanced property profiles and new functions.

http://ift.tt/2GB9M5r