Improvement of flame-retardant and antistatic property of wood using a spray-assisted layer-by-layer self-assembly technique

Wood has the characteristics of shrinkage and swelling, flammability, and insulation, which can lead to poor user experience and accidents during its application in wood structure buildings and wood products. In this study, multifunctional chitosan/sodium phytate/TiO2-CuO nanoparticle composite coatings were sprayed on a wood surface through spray-assisted layer-by-layer (SP-LBL) self-assembly. By designing different spraying distances and other process parameters combined with a surface resistance test, thermogravimetric analysis, and combustion test, the antistatic and flame-retardant properties of modified wood were investigated. Antistatic property test results confirmed a positive effect between TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles on discharging electrostatic charge. Moreover, the surface resistance value of the wood remained unchanged after 15 days of spraying treatment. Additionally, the antistatic stability of the composite coatings was more effective in the short-term application. However, long-term stability needs to be observed. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and combustion test confirmed that chitosan, sodium phytate, and TiO2-CuO nanoparticles synergically improved the flame retardant of wood.