In-situ growth of hexaconazole/polydopamine/hexadecyltrimethoxysilane in multi-scale structured wood to prepare superhydrophobic wooden materials with decay resistance

Using the layered channels of wood and its unique mesoporous microstructure, hexaconazole, polydopamine (PDA), and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) were grown and deposited in-situ on the surface and interior of wood. Using this method, a superhydrophobic wood composite with decay resistance was prepared. Hexaconazole inhibited wood fungal decay, and the mass losses of wood were 0 and 0.06% with a retention of 140 g/m3 after laboratory decay tests for 12 weeks by using Trametes versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum, respectively. More importantly, through the oxidative self-polymerization of PDA, the adhesive PDA anchored hexaconazole nanoparticles to form a stable core–shell structure that increased the surface roughness of wood. In addition, based on the association of PDA with hydrophilic –OH groups in cellulose and hemicelluloses in wood, long-chain HDTMS was deposited on the surface of wood to form a superhydrophobic multifunctional wooden material with a water contact angle (WCA) of 154°. Based on its multifunctional and inherent durability, the wood also showed good chemical stability and resistance to UV, high- temperature, and high-humidity environments.