A device and a method for specifically influencing the technological properties of individual regions of a sheet-like material are provided, including the following steps: a) fixing the sheet-like material or a pre-compacted material nonwoven or a material fibre cake on a workbench, b) placing at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fibre cake, c) specifically moving the at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside and pressing an improving medium into partial regions of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fibre cake in a predetermined amount and under a predetermined pressure, d) optionally, subsequently pressing the pre-compacted material nonwoven or the material fibre cake to form a sheet of the desired thickness.

A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

A piece of plant material (e.g., wood) can have a lignin content in a range of 5-16 wt %, inclusive, and a microstructure including native lumina bounded by cellulose-based cell walls extending in a first direction. The piece of plant material can be pressed along a second direction crossing the first direction, such that the lumina collapse and facing portions of the collapsed lumina are brought into contact with each other. The piece of plant material prior to the pressing can have a first density. After the pressing, the piece of plant material can have a second density greater than the first density, for example, at least 1 g/cm.sup.3.

A rotary separation device deploys a drum with mesh like opening on the cylindrical surfaces and a removable cover or cap for filling in an upright position and removal of product or spent matter in an inverted position. When the drum is loaded with material, and the cover closed, it is rotatable to a horizontal position, and disposed in an outer container. The drum is rotated in the horizontal position to initiate the separation process. The outer container may be formed by the mating engagement at a common rim of an upper and lower vessel that form the sealed container.