Optimization of durable superhydrophobic wood with superstrong ultraviolet resistance and chemical stability

Abstract

The less UV durability and weak chemical stability of superhydrophobic wood limited its wide application. Cu2(OH)3Cl nano particles, epoxy (EP), vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), and room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) were combined together to modify both soft and hard wood with function of superhydrophobic at once successfully. The modified wood was endowed not only superhydrophobicity as expected, such as CA more than 150°, along with anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties, but also excellent durability, including well chemical, sandpaper abrasion, water impact and tape peeling stability. Most prominently, there was almost no color changing being observed on the modified samples. Furthermore, the best UV resistance, 3168 h consistently against UV irradiation, was achieved in the field of wood superhydrophobic modification. The proposed synergistic protective mechanism by synthesizing silicon dioxide and siloxane has potential to extend the service life and improve the high value utilization of wood product.