Bio-based solvent Cyrene bends solid wood at just 65 °C

Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed a method to bend solid wood by soaking it in a mixture of Cyrene, a cellulose-derived bio-based solvent, and water, then heating it to about 65 °C. The process avoids adhesives and high temperatures and was tested on linden, balsa, Bahia walnut, okoumé and ash sheets 2–5 mm thick.

• Cyrene, a cellulose-derived solvent, loosens lignin in wood
• Heating reaches only 65 °C versus energy-intensive steam bending
• No adhesives: wood keeps its strength and biodegradability
• Tested on 2–5 mm sheets; scaling up is the next step