New wood-based material stores and releases heat without electricity

Researchers at the University of Texas have developed an innovative wood-based material that regulates building temperatures without electricity by using phase-change technology (PCM). This material acts as a thermal battery, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, thereby reducing reliance on active heating and cooling systems and enhancing energy efficiency. Unlike traditional PCMs that tend to leak during phase transitions, this new composite leverages the natural porous cellular structure of wood. By removing lignin and saturating the cellulose skeleton with a blend of phase-change material and a stabilizing soft plastic, the team created a leak-proof, structurally reinforced material that maintains its integrity over repeated heating and cooling cycles. Lab tests demonstrated that the material could endure 1,000 thermal cycles without leakage or loss of mechanical strength, making it both energy efficient and durable for long-term building applications. This breakthrough addresses a key limitation of previous PCM implementations, where host materials diluted heat storage capacity and compromised performance. The interdisciplinary collaboration involving national laboratories and universities underscores the potential for