Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa developed a method to turn sawdust into a recyclable composite using struvite, a crystalline ammonium magnesium phosphate. They control the formation of struvite crystals so the crystals fill spaces between wood particles and bind them into a board.
The new boards are stronger under compression and suit interior fittings. Struvite improves fire resistance by releasing water vapor and ammonia when heated, which cools the material and slows fire. The composite is easy to recycle and the binder can be recovered and reused. Wider use will depend on the binder cost and larger tests.
Difficult words
- composite — Material made from different parts joined together.
- struvite — A crystalline phosphate mineral with ammonium and magnesium.
- crystalline — Like a crystal; with a regular solid structure.
- bind — To hold pieces together so they stay fixed.
- compression — Pressure that pushes material into a smaller space.
- recover — To get back something for use again.recovered
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Discussion questions
- Which benefits of the new boards are mentioned in the text?
- Would you use furniture made from this material? Why or why not?
- What two factors does the article say will affect wider use of the boards?
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