SEA-BOARD — A Marine-Derived Structural Panel from Aligned and Densified Seaweed Cellulose Nanofibers

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

Current sustainable building materials often lack the high structural strength needed for demanding applications, limiting their use in load-bearing construction. Addressing this opportunity, UC Berkeley researchers have developed SEA-BOARD, a novel structural panel fabricated from marine-derived polysaccharides. This innovation utilizes a proprietary, stepwise process involving polysaccharide extraction, nanofiber alignment, and thermal densification to configure the macroalgal biomass into a high-strength, hot-pressed panel. This engineered material is structurally superior and potentially more environmentally sustainable than many traditional wood-based or synthetic alternatives.

Suggested uses

• Structural and non-structural panels for construction and architecture

• Interior design applications like furniture, cabinetry, and flooring

• High-strength, lightweight material in automotive or aerospace industries

• A sustainable alternative to wood or plastic composites in various consumer and industrial products

Advantages

• Offers high structural strength compared to existing sustainable building materials.

• Utilizes marine-derived macroalgal biomass, providing an abundant and renewable resource.

• The manufacturing process is a stepwise fabrication that ensures controlled alignment and densification for optimal material properties.

• Provides a sustainable, bio-based alternative to petrochemical and forestry products.

Related Materials