UV-Assisted Multiscale Superhydrophobic Wood Resisting Surface Contamination and Failure.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Forestry Science

Background:

• Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly wood protection methods in modern forestry.
• Need for advanced coatings that offer enhanced durability and functionality to wood products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable, self-cleaning, and superhydrophobic coating for wood protection.
• To investigate a green method for modifying wood surfaces with enhanced properties.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked hollow silica nanoparticles.
• Modification of wood surfaces via dripping nanoparticles and polydimethylsiloxane.
• UV-assisted curing of the laminated coating structure.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle up to 160.4°.
• Coating demonstrated high transparency (91% transmittance) and good mechanical durability (maintaining 151.5° after abrasion).
• Confirmed self-cleaning properties, mechanical durability, and chemical stability of the composite coating.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite coating effectively optimizes wood surface wettability, providing enhanced protection and durability.
• This green coating method offers a promising approach for prolonging the application of wood and wood-based products.
• Potential for broader applications in glass, solar substrates, and optical devices.