Transparent wooden smart window regulates light and blocks 100% UV

Researchers in South Korea have developed a novel transparent wood-based smart window that passively regulates visible light transmission, blocks nearly 100% of harmful UVA radiation, and provides superior thermal insulation without requiring electricity. Created by teams at Hanbat National University and Kongju National University, the window combines modified balsa wood with polymer-dispersed liquid crystals that respond automatically to temperature changes. At room temperature, the material allows about 28% of visible light to pass, increasing to roughly 78% at 40°C, thus naturally managing daylight to reduce glare and overheating while enhancing indoor illumination. Beyond light control, the transparent wood offers significant advantages over conventional glass, including a thermal conductivity nearly five times lower (0.197 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹), which improves energy efficiency by slowing heat loss or gain. The material also enhances privacy by scattering light at lower temperatures, preventing interior visibility at night without power. Potential applications extend beyond buildings to smart greenhouses—where it can regulate sunlight and