Chapter 9 - Silver nanoparticle applications in wood, wood-based panels, and textiles

Abstract

Most wood species can rapidly deteriorate due to biological factors, especially those caused by fungi or molds that form as wood is subjected to fluctuating moisture. Many conventional treatments use toxic chemicals, but their effects on the environment are being taken into account. Also, the physical and mechanical properties of wood and wood products can decrease significantly due to environmental and manufacturing processes. Today, nanotechnological processes for wood preservation show improved properties, compared with conventional wood preservation methods. Nanomaterials can be applied to wood via direct impregnation, by modification of the wood, or by embedding nanosized biocides into a nanocarrier and controlling their release into the wood. Nanosized metal preservatives have certain advantages, such as deeper penetration of small particles that are uniform in size, which contributes to their uptake in wood. Therefore improvements in the physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of wood and its products combined with nanomaterials, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have been able to resist extreme conditions such as biological agents and climate changes. Wood coated or impregnated with AgNPs as well as AgNP-treated textiles provide eco-friendly preservatives and have increased product durability, as the fungal growth is inhibited or reduced, thus extending the shelf life of wood, wood-based products, and textile products.