Deposition of TiO2 nano-particles on wood surfaces for UV and moisture protection

Abstract

Deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on wood surface was realised to improve the wood stability against ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture degradation. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles was utilised for protection of the wood surface. TiO2 nano-particles were achieved by a sol–gel deposition method using EtOH/TiCl4 solution. Dip-coating process and subsequent annealing were used to realise nano-particles on wood surface. This method of deposition was utilised for the conformal covering of the wood structure as demonstrated by morphological investigation of the prepared samples by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Colour change measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyse the lignin and carbonyl degradation of uncoated and coated wood during the UV exposure. Moisture protection of the coated wood was investigated by measuring the contact angle of the distilled water and wood surface. The measurements showed the UV and moisture protection of the TiO2 layer.