# I-Corps: Translation Potential of High-performance Wood for Cost-effective Civil Infrastructure

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Louisiana State University (LA) · $50,000

## Abstract

This I-Corps project investigates the commercial potential of high-performance wood (HPW) for sustainable civil infrastructure development. The construction industry increasingly demands sustainable and cost-effective building materials. HPW has been developed to address this need by providing strength and stiffness comparable to traditional construction materials. As the market for new materials continues to grow, construction companies are seeking alternatives that effectively balance high mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness with environmental sustainability. While current renewable options such as untreated timber may be insufficient for heavy-load applications, HPW has shown superior mechanical properties. HPW may meet the increasing need for various applications, including deep foundations, housing, and structural supports.

This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of the technology. This solution is based on the development of high-performance wood (HPW), which is produced through a process of partial delignification followed by hot-pressing, resulting in a material that offers excellent strength and stiffness, but with a more sustainable production process as compared to steel and concrete. Traditional delignification methods face challenges when applied to larger wood samples due to limited chemical diffusion. To overcome this, a pressurized deli

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2534275
- **Awardee organization:** Louisiana State University (LA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ECQEYCHRNKJ4
- **PI:** Hai Lin
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Materials Engineering, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $50,000
- **Funds obligated:** $50,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2534275

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2534275, I-Corps: Translation Potential of High-performance Wood for Cost-effective Civil Infrastructure. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2534275. Licensed CC0.

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