Abstract: Methods for producing structural materials from lumber are provided. The methods use an oxygen pre-treatment or a carbonate pre-treatment followed by densification via thermal compression to produce structural materials with strong mechanical properties. The pre-treatments are able to partially delignify the lumber without substantially adversely affecting the mechanical properties of the subsequently densified wood.

Abstract: Natural bamboo is chemically treated to remove at least some lignin therefrom. As a result, the bamboo becomes more porous and less rigid, while otherwise retaining the aligned microstructure of bamboo fibers and constituent cellulose nanofibers. In some embodiments, the treated bamboo can then be pressed such that the lumina therein at least partially collapse, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the bamboo among other properties. In some embodiments, the treated bamboo can be infiltrated with a polymer or polymer precursor, and/or have non-native particles added to surfaces thereof to tailor properties of the resulting bamboo structure. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the treated bamboo, it can be adapted to various applications.

Abstract: A cradle includes a base, a support, a movable bed compartment, a wire-winding barrel, first and second wire bodies. The compartment is movably connected with the support arranged on the base in a suspended manner. First and second fixed ends are arranged on the bottom face of the compartment in the moving direction of the compartment. The barrel is located between the first and second fixed ends. The barrel is rotationally fixed to the face of the base facing to the compartment. The first and second wire bodies are respectively wound on the barrel, and the winding direction of the first wire body is opposite to that of the second wire body. The free end of the first wire body and the free end of the second wire body are respectively connected with the first fixed end and the second fixed end by means of an elastic member.