Researchers at the University of British Columbia have accidentally discovered a new super-black material named Nxylon, which absorbs almost all light. Professor Philip Evans and PhD student Kenny Cheng were experimenting with high-energy plasma to make wood more water-repellent when they discovered that applying the technique to the cut ends of wood cells resulted in extremely black surfaces. Texas A&M University’s department of physics and astronomy confirmed that the material reflected less than one per cent of visible light. The team decided to focus on designing super-black materials as a new approach to finding the darkest materials on Earth.
Super-black materials are in high demand in various industries, including astronomy, where ultra-black coatings help reduce stray light and improve image clarity. Additionally, super-black coatings enhance the efficiency of solar cells and are used in creating art pieces and luxury consumer items like watches. Researchers at UBC have developed prototype commercial products using Nxylon, initially targeting watches and jewelry. Plans are in place to explore other commercial applications in the future, showcasing the potential of this new super-black material in various sectors.
Nxylon stands out for its ability to remain super-black even when coated with alloys, making it a suitable alternative to expensive and rare black woods like ebony and rosewood for watch faces and jewelry. The material’s structure inherently prevents light from escaping, rather than relying on black pigments. Made from basswood, Nxylon can also utilize other types of wood such as European lime wood. The team trademarked Nxylon and named it after the Greek goddess of the night, Nyx, and the Greek word for wood, xylon, highlighting its unique properties and origin.
Dr. Philip Evans and his colleagues are planning to launch a startup, Nxylon Corporation of Canada, to scale up the applications of Nxylon in collaboration with jewellers, artists, and tech product designers. They also aim to develop a commercial-scale plasma reactor to produce larger super-black wood samples for applications like non-reflective ceiling and wall tiles. By utilizing sustainable and renewable materials widely found in North America and Europe, Nxylon opens up new possibilities for the wood industry. This research highlights the untapped potential of the wood industry in British Columbia beyond commodity products, showcasing a new avenue for innovation and sustainable practices.
The team at UBC, alongside researchers from Texas A&M University and The Australian National University, has created a groundbreaking super-black material with wide-ranging applications. Nxylon combines the benefits of natural materials with unique structural features, making it a lightweight, stiff, and easy to cut into intricate shapes. Its potential to replace expensive and rare black woods like ebony and rosewood in commercial products like watches and jewelry demonstrates the versatility and value of this new material. By harnessing the properties of basswood and other types of wood, Nxylon offers a sustainable and innovative solution for various industries seeking ultra-black coatings.
Overall, the accidental discovery of Nxylon by researchers at the University of British Columbia has opened up new possibilities in diverse industries. The super-black material has the potential to revolutionize the production of watches, jewelry, solar cells, and precision optical devices. With plans to establish a startup and scale up the production of Nxylon, the team aims to showcase the untapped potential of the wood industry and promote sustainable practices in manufacturing. Nxylon’s unique properties and structural features make it a promising alternative to existing materials, paving the way for innovative applications and advancements in the field of super-black coatings.
