I think you might be interested: I read this week on BBC page that two engineers invented a wood stronger than steel. In the article, they explain briefly the treatment applied to traditional woods to harden it.
The link is this but it is in spanish: http://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-43073561
I found a similar information in english: https://www.tecnologics-site.com/super-wood-material-strong-steel/