New synthetic wood made from biodegradable thermoplastic material

A research team from the University of Stanford, USA, has announced the development of a synthetic substitute for wood; made from a biodegradable thermoplastic material i.e. hemp fiber reinforced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). According to the researchers, their innovative material could be used in a variety of building materials, furniture and floors; and can be molded, nailed, hammered and drilled as wood. Moreover, after use, it can be anaerobically biodegraded.