Development of highly durable superhydrophobic and UV-resistant wood by E-beam radiation curing

Developing a practical strategy to fabricate an anti-abrasion and durable superhydrophobic wood surface with ultraviolet (UV) resistance has great practical significance for expanding the application of natural wood. In this study, a robust superhydrophobic layer with a hierarchical micro/nano-roughness structure was modified on the wood surface through in-situ mineralization and polymerization using a simple sol–gel method along with efficient electron beam (EB) curing technology. Hydrophobic agent (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), and crosslinking monomer (γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, MAPS) form new covalent bonds between TiO2 particle layer and wood substrate after EB radiation, which endows robust superhydrophobicity and remarkable UV resistance on the wood surface. The as-prepared wood exhibited a water contact angle of approximately 165.7° and obvious repellency to many aqua-phase liquids (cola, strongly acidic, alkaline droplets etc.). Furthermore, the hierarchical micro/nano-protrusion structures remained unchanged and micro/nano particles aggregated tightly on the as-prepared wood surface under harsh external environments (sandpaper abrasion and, ultrasonic treatment), confirming the desirable anti-abrasion and mechanically durable performance of the superhydrophobic surface. After the 18-day UV accelerated weathering test, the TiO2 particle layer conspicuously retained the discoloration and maintained its exceptional repellency toward water. The biomimetic superhydrophobic wood with excellent mechanical durability and UV resistance reveals its potential application in the furniture and architecture fields.