Wood Substrates Research Articles

Wood hardness drives nest-site selection in woodpeckers of the humid Chaco

Abstract Avian excavators (woodpeckers and other species) select nest sites based on characteristics of the nest patch, nest tree, and substrate. These characteristics could increase foraging opportunities or reduce the risk of predation, but there is also a potentially important role for wood hardness in restricting nest-site selection, a role that has been little explored and is expected to vary among species according to their ability to excavate. We examined patterns of nest-site selection in 8 woodpecker species in the humid Chaco of South America, where the dominant trees have extremely hard wood. We hypothesized that (1) wood hardness is the main factor driving selection of excavation sites, and (2) interspecific variation in body size and foraging behavior (traits frequently related to excavation ability) explain interspecific variation in the wood hardness of excavated nest substrates. From 2016 to 2019 in well-preserved forests of the Argentine Chaco, we compared nesting cavities excavated in wood (cases; n = 42) vs. potential wood substrates without cavities (matched controls) and made 187 focal observations of foraging woodpeckers. Woodpeckers selected nesting substrates with softer heartwood than potential substrates, regardless of any other characteristics of the tree or nest patch. Wood hardness around nest cavities increased with body size and the prevalence of chiseling during foraging, traits that were positively correlated. Woodpeckers often excavated in Prosopis spp. (Algarrobos) but rarely in Schinopsis balansae (Quebracho), a tree with exceptionally hard internal wood, in which cavity adopters frequently nest in non-excavated cavities. Wood hardness is critical to assessing the role of woodpeckers as cavity facilitators, understanding the costs and benefits of excavation, and interpreting excavation patterns across species and forests globally.

Wood Surface-Embedding of Functional Monodisperse SiO2 Microspheres for Achieving Robust, Durable, Nature-Inspired, Programmable Superrepellent Interfaces.

Nature-inspired, robust, durable, liquid-repellent interfaces have attracted considerable interest in the field of wood biomimetic intelligence science and technology application. However, realizing green environmental protection and low maintenance and replacement cost wood surfaces constructed with micro/nanoarchitectures is not an easy task. Aiming at the problem of poor waterproof performance of wood, a silicon dioxide/polydimethylsiloxane (SiO2/PDMS) self-cleaning programmable superhydrophobic coating was biomimetically constructed on the wood substrate by surface-embedded dual-dipping design based on the "substrates + nanoparticles" hybrid principle of the lotus leaf effect. This robust, durable, nature-inspired, self-cleaning, programmable superhydrophobic coating was found to have no observable impact on the original color and texture of the natural wood. The SiO2/PDMS/wood prepared exhibited exceptional liquid repellency and a high static water contact angle (WCA) of 158.5° and a low slide angle (SA) of 10°, including everyday general-purpose droplets, indicating that the introduction of the monodisperse SiO2 microspheres can effectively enhance the superhydrophobic properties of the hydrophilic wood. We applied this strategy to a variety of substrates, including wood-cellulose aerogel and wood-cellulose paper, and demonstrated that the liquid-repellent nature of the self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating remained unchanged. Moreover, the superhydrophobic surface of SiO2/PDMS/wood was preserved even after harsh abrasion conditions, including mechanical damage (sandpaper, sharp steel blade, and tapes), thermal damage (UV irradiation and low/high-temperature exposure such as steaming and freezing), chemical damage, and solvent corrosion (immersion in acid, alkali), demonstrating robust stability of the superhydrophobic coating. Furthermore, the SiO2/PDMS programmable superhydrophobic coating exhibits exceptional exciting self-cleaning and stain-resistant properties, making it offer greater possibilities in terms of scientific challenges and real-world problem-solving at biomimetic smart superhydrophobic interfaces in wood.

Simultaneous removal of vanadium and nitrogen in two-stage vertical flow constructed wetlands: Performance and mechanisms

Vanadium (V(V)) and nitrate, as co-concomitant pollutants in water bodies, pose potential threats to the eco-environment and human health. This study was to reveal the feasibility of simultaneous removal of V(V) and nitrate in the series-wound vertical flow constructed wetlands (CWs) with iron ore (B-CWs)/manganese ore (C-CWs)-wood substrates. The results showed that B-CWs could achieve efficient V(V) and NO3−-N removal with the influent of 2 and 10 mg/L (V(V)/NO3−-N = 1:5), respectively. With the increase of V(V)/NO3−-N ratio (V(V)/NO3−-N = 1:1), B/C-CWs exhibited better combined pollution removal. Even when nitrate was removed (V(V)/NO3−-N = 1:0), the systems could maintain a good capacity for V(V) removal. High V(V) (20 mg/L) significantly inhibited V(V) removal, with a slight recovery of the performance as the decrease of V(V) influent. High NO3−-N concentration (10 mg/L) effectively enhanced V(V) removal and restored C-CWs to the better level. V(IV) precipitates/oxides were the main reducing end-products. High abundance of V(V)-reducing bacteria and iron/manganese cycling pumps ensured efficient V(V) removal.

Detection of Organic Explosive Residues from Outdoor Detonations using Confocal Raman Microscopy

The detection of post-blast residues in the aftermath of an explosion involving organic explosives with spectroscopic techniques is challenging as, typically, no microscopically visible unreacted particles remain after the explosion. However, some low-order explosions may leave visible particles behind, as well as the presence of significant amounts of unreacted material. In this study, four authentic open-air detonations using two simulated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) containing a mixture of military explosives (TNT and RDX), and two IEDs containing smokeless powder were conducted. The various materials they contained, including plastic, wood, and metal, were swabbed and extracted with acetone to create post-blast liquid extracts. The extracts were then dried and examined using confocal Raman microscopy, alongside a 50 ppm reference mixture of smokeless powder constituents, which was created to evaluate the effects of Raman scattering within the full smokeless powder mixture. Smokeless powder constituents, such as ethyl centralite, diphenylamine, nitroglycerin, and dibutyl phthalate, were successfully identified by comparison to the reference mixture on most substrates, with the exception of the paint stick (wood) substrate. TNT/RDX was also able to be identified in the extracts, with RDX crystals being observed in some dried extracts after solvent evaporation. However, the detection of TNT/RDX in the second detonation was unsuccessful, possibly due to an explosive chain reaction that was highly efficient. No trends were seen in substrate affinity for TNT/RDX. The challenges and benefits with the developed methodology for the detection of organic explosive residues from a variety of substrates are discussed in detail.

Transparent Coating Systems Applied on Spruce Wood and Their Colour Stability on Exposure to an Accelerated Ageing Process

The objective of this study was to investigate the colour stability of spruce wood surfaces treated with coating systems (CS) and exposed to accelerated ageing. The tested CSs were transparent and three-layered; the top layer was modified with ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, while the base layer was modified with lignin stabiliser. Spruce wood surfaces treated with unmodified CSs were not colour-stable during the accelerated ageing process, with the surface exhibiting colour change after just 100 ageing hours. Adding specific UV absorbers into the top layer and lignin stabiliser into the base layer significantly improved the colour stability of the surface-treated wood. In all cases, however, the colour variation associated with ongoing ageing was significant. An additional study task was to determine whether the discolouration of surface-treated wood is caused by the discolouration of the wood substrate alone or also by the CS discolouration. Consequently, there was also the examination of discolouration of the individual coating materials or coating systems applied to glass slides. This testing proved that in the case of wood surface-treated with CS, without lignin stabiliser, the discolouration was the same as that of the substrate, and this was true throughout the whole ageing process. In the case of wood surface-treated with CS, but with lignin stabiliser, there were, in some cases, significant differences in discolouration between surface-treated wood and the wood substrate. These variations were especially evident during the initial 300 ageing hours.

Enhanced solar interfacial evaporation through lignin-polyaniline composite coatings on Balsa wood substrates

Solar interfacial evaporation employing wood-derived substrates is increasingly acknowledged as a viable desalination and wastewater treatment technique. This study presents an optimized method that enhances the efficiency of solar interfacial evaporation by applying a coating of lignin-polyaniline composites (EHL-PANI) onto balsa wood substrates. Initial assessments involved comparing evaporators made from various kinds of wood, identifying balsa wood-based photothermal evaporators as the most effective, with an evaporation rate of 1.63 kg·m−2·h−1 and an efficiency of 72.7 %. Photothermal properties were further improved through the chemical oxidation of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) with polyaniline, producing a composite with notably high dispersion stability and uniform particle distribution. This modification resulted in reduced particle size and enhanced stability of the polyaniline, which is crucial for boosting photothermal activity. Additionally, the EHL-PANI composites demonstrated exceptional light absorption, exceeding 95 %, and significant photothermal conversion efficiency across a broad wavelength range, attributable to polyaniline's broadband light absorption characteristics. A prototype evaporator, featuring the EHL-PANI coated on a balsa wood substrate, was constructed to assess performance, achieving a water evaporation rate of 2.10 kg·m−2·h−1 and an efficiency of 80.7 % under solar illumination of 1 kW·m−2.

INVESTIGATION OF WETTABILITY, ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY, THERMAL INSULATION, AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ELASTOMER BLEND ADHESIVES WITH HIGH-DENSITY FIBERBOARD WOOD AND ALUMINUM

Attention has recently been given to finding alternative and sustainable raw material sources for wood and metal adhesives, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), corn starch (CS), arabic gum (AG), and dextrins (D). Modifying polymer dispersion using unique substances, such as modifying reactive elastomer liquid (EL) using PVA, CS, AG, or D results in sufficiently moisture-resistant adhesive joins. In the present study, the physical characteristics of EL/blended with the natural polymers PVA, CS, AG, and D, based on high-density fiberboard (HDF) wood and aluminum (Al) adhesives and coatings, were investigated and compared to those of pure EL. The EL was blended with PVA, CS, AG, or D at a ratio of 60/40 (w/w) to form EL/blends. The chemical structures, surface and interface morphology, adhesion strengths (including shear strength and pull-off strength), surface roughness, wettings, color intensity, and thermal insulation of the prepared EL and EL/blends were investigated. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation confirmed filler dispersion and adhesion between the blends, and coated HDF wood, or Al. The developed EL/AG blend had a pull-off strength of 144±5 and 102±3 MPa and a shear strength of 771±11, and 52±3 N with HDF wood and Al substrate, respectively. The EL/PVA blend had a maximum surface roughness value 4.57 µm, and its average water contact angle (WCA) was 85.6°. A plasma jet was used to treat the surface roughness and hence the wettability of the pure EL and the EL/blends, for example, plasma treatment decreased the roughness of the EL/AG blend from 4.36 to 3.28 μm. WCA, and hence wettability, was also significantly influenced by plasma treatment, for example, plasma treatment decreased the WCA of the pure EL from 71.7±0.4° to 30.7±0.7°. The lightness value of the EL/blends was less than that of the pure EL, indicating that (the color adhesives have darkened). Similarly, the yellowness-blueness and redness-greenness values of the EL/blends were greater than those of the pure EL,( rendering the blended adhesives more reddish and bluish). The EL/AG blend was found to have a minimum thermal conductivity (of 0.27 W/m.K), indicating maximum insulation.

High-frequency study of megafaunal communities on whale bone, wood and carbonate in hypoxic Barkley Canyon

Organic-rich whale bones and wood falls occur widely in the deep sea and support diverse faunal communities, contributing to seafloor habitat diversity. Changes in community structure through succession on deep-sea bone/wood substrates are modulated by ecosystem engineers, i.e., bone-eating Osedax annelids, and wood-boring Xylophaga bivalves. Here, we use a comparative experimental approach and Ocean Networks Canada’s (ONC) cabled observatory in hypoxic Barkley Canyon to study, at high temporal resolution, colonization and succession on whale-bone, Douglas fir wood, and control carbonate rock over 8.3 mo. Experimental substrates were similar in size and mounted on PVC plates near the seafloor at 890 m depth and monitored by high-definition video camera for 5-min intervals every 6-12 h over a period of 8.3 mo. A broad range of seafloor and sea-surface environmental variables were also monitored at this site over the 8.3 mo to account for environmental variability and food input. Following loss of the high-definition camera, substrates were surveyed approximately annually with lower resolution ROV video for an additional 8.5 y. We find that megafaunal abundances, species diversity, and community structure varied substantially over 8.3 mo on each substrate, with markedly different patterns on whale bones due to the development of extensive white bacterial mats. A combination of seafloor and sea surface variables explained < 35% of bone/wood community variation. Bone-eating Osedax annelids failed to colonize whale bones even after 9.2 years, and boring Xylophaga bivalves colonized the wood at much lower rates than in better oxygenated deep-sea locations. Species diversity on whale-bone and wood substrates appeared to be substantially reduced due to the absence of ecosystem engineers and the low oxygen concentrations. We hypothesize that Osedax/Xylophaga colonization, bone/wood degradation, and bone/wood community development may be limited by oxygen concentrations of 0.22 - 0.33 ml.l on the NE Pacific margin, and that OMZ expansion due to climate change will reduce whale-bone and wood degradation, and the contribution of whale falls and wood falls to beta diversity, on the NE Pacific margin.

Preparation and adsorptive performance study of amino modified-crosslinked composite aerogel for VOCs in wooden furniture

Abstract There is a lack of standards for harmful VOC substances in furniture products in China, and furniture’s peculiar smell is still a hot concern for society. Amino modified-crosslinked composite aerogel was prepared using a modified sol-gel method by incorporating chitosan and inorganic silica as the inorganic phase, and it was added to polyurethane coating (PU paint) and wooden substrate. Results indicated that the prepared amino modified-crosslinked composite aerogel had a pore size of 12 μm to 16 μm, retaining the lightweight structure and mesoporous characteristics of the gel while containing the active organic groups of chitosan. It exhibited a certain adsorption capacity for VOCs in both PU paint and wooden substrate, with the highest adsorption efficiency observed in fir, reaching 72.86%. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this method and suggest a new approach to pollution prevention and control in wooden furniture. It holds promising potential for scalable applications.

Oxidative stress and culture atmosphere effects on bioactive compounds and laccase activity in the white rot fungus Phlebia radiata on birch wood substrate

Wood-decaying white rot fungi live in changing environmental conditions and may switch from aerobic to fermentative metabolism under oxygen depletion. Decomposition of wood and lignocellulose by fungi is dependent on enzymatic and oxidative biochemistry including generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we subjected semi-solid wood-substrate cultures of the white rot fungus Phlebia radiata to oxidative stress by addition of hydrogen peroxide under aerobic and anaerobic cultivation conditions. Wood decomposition and fungal metabolism were followed by analysis of extracellular organic compounds, mycelial growth, and laccase activity. Under both atmospheric conditions, accumulation of bioactive aromatic compounds from birch wood occurred into the culture supernatants after hydrogen peroxide treatment. The supernatants inhibited both fungal growth and laccase activity. However, the fungus recovered from the oxidative stress quickly in a few days, especially when cultivated under regular aerobic conditions. With repeated hydrogen peroxide treatments, laccase suppressive-recovery effect was observed. Culture supernatants demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, in concert with emergence of chlorinated birch-derived organic compounds. Bioactivities in the cultures disappeared in the same pace as the chlorinated compounds were transformed and de-chlorinated by the fungus. Our results indicate tolerance of white rot fungi against excessive oxidative stress and wood-derived, growth-inhibiting and harmful agents.

Facile and sustainable upcycling of fly ash into multifunctional durable superhydrophobic coatings

Fly ash (FA), a hazardous byproduct of coal combustion in power plants, poses significant environmental and health risks due to improper disposal and utilization. This study introduces a facile, sustainable, and cost-effective method for converting FA into a robust superhydrophobic material for various substrates. -FA particles are modified with polydopamine (PD) in water and covalently grafted with octadecylamine (ODA) via the Michael Addition-Schiff Base reactions, resulting in robust superhydrophobic FA (SH-FA) with a water contact angle (WCA) of 163° (±3.1). When applied as a coating to jute, cotton, polyester fibers, PU sponge, and wood, they became superhydrophobic, with WCAs ranging from 154.7 to 161.2° except for the wood substrate, which achieved a WCA of 132° (±3°). The coated polyester fabric exhibited remarkable durability, retaining consistent WCA values after 70 abrasion cycles, 75 adhesive tape peelings, and 20 detergent washing cycles. It also showcased excellent self-cleaning properties, effectively repelling dust and various liquids. Additionally, the coated PU sponge demonstrated exceptional performance in separating oil from different oil/water mixtures, achieving rapid separation of organic solvents within seconds and maintaining a separation efficiency of over 98% even after 12 reuse cycles. These results indicate the potential for transforming FA through effective management.

Wood-derived continuously oriented channels coupled with tunable built-in electric fields for efficient oxygen evolution

Interface engineering has emerged as a promising strategy for efficiently enhancing catalytic performance. Herein, we present a built-in electric field (BEF) strategy to assemble Co9S8/Ni3S2 heterojunctions confined in S-doped carbon matrix (SC) and anchored S-doped carbide wood framework (SCW). Leveraging BEF, Co-S-Ni charge transfer channels and the superior mass transfer properties inherent in wood’s unique structure, (Co9S8/Ni3S2)@SC/SCW exhibits a low overpotential of 220 mV at 50 mA cm−2, and remarkable stability. The experimental characterizations and theoretical simulation indicate that the constructed BEF can induce the directional transfer of electrons from Co9S8 to Ni3S2, which is beneficial for the adsorption of OH- owing to the electrostatic interaction, thereby promotes the formation of the highly active amorphous metal hydroxide oxides at lower OER potentials. This work provides a new perspective for exploring the design of energy storage and conversion catalysts based on renewable wood substrates.

Assembled Wood-Polyester Fabric-Hydrogel Janus Evaporator for Sustainable Seawater Desalination.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is a novel and efficient desalination process that helps alleviate the global shortage of freshwater resources. We developed a Janus evaporator assembled from cotton hydrogel, hydrophilic polyester fabric (PF), and Hydrophobic Wood (PW). By doping graphene oxide and TiO2 as light-absorbing materials within the hydrogel, we achieved a high absorptivity of over 90% across the entire solar spectrum. The hydrophilically modified PF, combined with the PW substrate, provided robust water transport and reduced thermal losses. Subsequent optical path simulations using TracePro74 software verified that the sawtooth light-trapping design of the wood substrate increased multiple light reflections and absorption (compared to a flat structure), enhancing light absorption capabilities. The sawtooth interface also enlarged the evaporation area, further boosting evaporation performance. The cleverly designed evaporator exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.722 kg m-2 h-1 and an efficiency of 83.1% under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, after applying polydimethylsiloxane to the single surface of the photothermal hydrogel for low surface energy treatment, the resulting Janus structure demonstrated asymmetric wettability that prevented salt ions from accumulating on the irradiated interface. After 8 h of continuous evaporation in saline water (10 wt %), only slight salt crystallization occurred at the edges. The evaporator maintained long-term stability during a 15 day cyclic test, and the produced freshwater fully met the relevant drinking water standards. The components of the evaporator are characterized by simple fabrication, low cost, and eco-friendliness, offering significant application potential in the global context of energy conservation and emission reduction initiatives.

Bio-based interior UV-curable coating designed for wood substrates

Bio-based interior UV-curable coating designed for wood substrates

Reversibly photochromic wood constructed by electric field-assisted self-assembled chitosan and tungsten trioxide coatings

ABSTRACT The photochromic properties are highly desirable for advanced wood applications, but they have not been extensively studied. To incorporate photochromic capabilities into wood materials, composite coatings were developed on the wood surface using an electric field-assisted layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique. The composite coatings consist of cationic chitosan and anionic tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles. By applying a direct current voltage during the deposition process, a well-organized distribution of WO3 nanoparticles was achieved, resulting in a uniform coverage of the wood substrate. This assembly process facilitated the creation of structured photochromic coatings with minimal nanoparticle fillers, a straightforward and rapid procedure, and potential for large-scale production. Lab colorimetric results demonstrated that the wooden substrate changed color from its natural state to blue when exposed to UV light. UV-vis spectroscopy further confirmed the efficient absorption of WO3 and photochromic properties of the modified wood.

Conductive graphene-based coagulated composites for electronic printing applications

Graphene is gaining significance in applications such as sensors, antennas, photonics and spintronics. In particular, it is suitable for printing components and circuits affording the properties of high conductivity alongside flexibility, elasticity and wearability. For this application, graphene is typically customised into a fluidic form—ink or paint. This paper reports a novel, economical, scalable methodology for synthesising electrically conductive graphene-based coagulated composite that could be utilised in the above-mentioned applications. Composites are prepared from graphene powder/ink and screen-printing ink (GP–SPI and GI–SPI, respectively) at different mass ratios, and the optimal composition is identified by brush coating on paper in the form of rectangular strips. As a proof of concept, at optimum mass ratios, the GP–SPI and GI–SPI composites exhibit electrical conductivities ranging 0.068–0.702 mS m−1 and 0.0303–0.1746 μS m−1, in order. The as-prepared conductive composites are then screen-printed onto a square with an area of 1 cm2 on ceramic, FR4, glass, paper, polyester and wood substrates. The coagulated GP–SPI and GI–SPI composites are compatible with all these substrates and yield a conductive coating, demonstrating their suitability in multifaceted applications. Furthermore, the method proposed herein eliminates the need for rare/precious expensive materials, state-of-the art equipment, highly skilled personnel and costs associated with the same, thereby broadening the avenues for low-cost, fluidic graphene-based functional composites.

Interspecies Interactions in Dual Cultures of Selected Fungi Species and Their Influence on the Decomposition of Scots Pine and Norway Spruce Wood Substrates

Interspecies Interactions in Dual Cultures of Selected Fungi Species and Their Influence on the Decomposition of Scots Pine and Norway Spruce Wood Substrates

Photoluminescence of polysiloxane-immobilized lignin-modified wood toward color-tunable and ultraviolet protective smart window

Smart windows can benefit from the use of photochromic wooden materials. In the current study, we report the preparation of fluorescent wood that can switch color under visible and ultraviolet lighting conditions. In order to develop a transparent wood that is both fluorescent and photochromic, a mixture of europium and dysprosium activated strontium aluminum oxide (EDSA) nanoparticles (NPs; 8–13 nm) and room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber (Polysiloxane) was integrated into a delignified wood. EDSA is known for its excellent photostability and thermal stability. The EDSA phosphor has to be efficiently dispersed in RTV to avoid the formation of aggregates, allowing for a better fabrication of colorless wood. The coloration findings from the CIE Lab parameters displayed that when illuminated with ultraviolet rays, this colorless wooden substrate turned green. Using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the morphological properties of the synthesized EDSA NPs were examined. Various analysis techniques, including elemental mapping, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic analyzer (WDXRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), hardness testing, and photoluminescence spectra, were employed to study the photochromic woods. An absorption band (365 nm) and two emission bands (436 nm and 518 nm) were determined for the prepared photoluminescent woods. When increasing the EDSA content, the results showed that the produced EDSA-infiltrated wood was more water-resistant and highly protective against UV radiation. Reversible photochromic responsiveness to UV light was observed for the prepared transparent luminous wood without fatigue.

Delignification of wood toward photoluminescent smart window infiltrated with glass nanofibers-reinforced polystyrene for multifunctional applications

Multifunctional photochromic and fluorescent woods that can change their color in the presence of ultraviolet light were developed. A formulation of electrospun glass nanofibers-reinforced styrene as a hosting agent and rare-earth strontium aluminate (RSA) as a photoluminescent was infiltrated into a lignin-modified wooden substrate, resulting in translucent wood with fluorescence and photochromic properties. The RSA pigment is known for its good photostability and thermal stability. An ideal method for producing transparent photoluminescent wood involves dispersing the RSA phosphor in pre-polymerized glass nanofibers-reinforced styrene without aggregation. According to the colorimetric data from the CIE (Commission Internationale de l´Eclairage) Lab color space coordinates, this photoluminescent wood substrate became green when exposed to ultraviolet light, but remained colorless when exposed to visible light. Electron microscopic images were used to investigate the morphologies of the synthesized pigment nanoparticles (NPs) and electrospun glass nanofibers, displaying diameters of 5–15 nm and 50–100 nm, respectively. The photoluminescent woods were inspected with different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Upon excitation at 365 nm, the photoluminescence transparent timbers demonstrated an emission intensity at 519 nm. When increase the phosphor content, the produced luminous wood was monitored to be more water-resistant and had better protection from ultraviolet rays. The reaction of the transparent luminous wood to ultraviolet light was rapid and reversible without fatigue.

Eco-Friendly Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings for Next-Generation Fire Retardants for Building Materials.

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood's fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings' synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality.