Kebony™ is a unique, organic process that turns North American woods, such as southern yellow pine and maple, into decking that is extremely durable in the outdoors. Kebony™ uses a distilled extract from waste biomass fibers that remain after food production, such as sugar cane waste (bagasse) and corn cobs. This extract is a reactive organic monomer that is then injected into the wood, penetrating the voids of the wood and the cell walls. Using a heat catalyst system, the wood fibers and the extract molecules cross-link into a new polymer chain. This creates a new biologically inert material. It makes southern yellow pine perform at the level of a tropical hardwood like ipê. Kebony™ is decay resistant and incredibly durable.
There are no toxins, no heavy metals, nor leaching of any sort. The weight of the pine is increased by up to 50% and it is significantly harder. Warping associated with pines is eliminated. As well, in the process, the wood becomes darker, such that it appears much like ipê or other tropical woods.
Maple can also be treated. Kebony™ maple can be used for applications that demand greater strength, such as municipal boardwalks. Kebony™ maple is a great alternative to teak, even for sailboat decking, where it is more durable and easier to keep clean.
Call 917/543-4064 or email Earthbilt™ today to explore the possibilities of this new, innovative material. We are pleased to provide samples and technical specifications.
Read the Economist article about Kebony™.
