Modification of wood with copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate and alkyl methacrylates for imparting superhydrophobic properties

Abstract

Wood is an irreplaceable structural and biodegradable material, which is subject to swelling, shrinkage, significant deformation of structural elements, and products when its moisture content changes. This paper proposes wood surface modification with reactive copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate and alkyl methacrylates to impart superhydrophobic properties with initial contact angles up to 166°. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to study the features of polymer coating formation and to determine the modifier penetration depth, which was more than 1000 μm. It has been shown that copolymers do not fill the initial capillary system of wood. Modified wood is characterized by stable water‐repellent properties with low‐water diffusion rates, with the water absorption rate reduced by more than three times compared to that of initial wood. Polymer coatings provide water repellency, retain the appearance of original wood, and provide increased buoyancy.

Superhydrophobic Wood Surfaces: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

“…Liu et al realized SHWSs by the impregnation of a silica/silicone oil complex emulsion into wood substrates with the help of vacuum (i.e., 0.01 MPa for 1 h and 0.5 MPa for 1 h) and drying with different temperatures (i.e., 60 • C for 12 h, elevated to 80 • C for 12 h, and elevated to 103 • C for drying) [125]. Furthermore, the impregnation method can combine with other methods (i.e., hydrothermal method [80], drying [126] and low-surface-energy modification [127]) for preparing SHWSs. Some solvent-based methods have been introduced for preparing SHWSs, such as the solvothermal method [128], alkali-driven method [129], wet chemical process [184] and multi-solvent continuous modification method [185].…”

Construction of CNC@SiO2@PL Based Superhydrophobic Wood with Excellent Abrasion Resistance Based on Nanoindentation Analysis and Good UV Resistance

“…Superhydrophobic surfaces with a water contact angle (WCA) > 150° and a slide angle (SA) < 10° show outstanding properties such as self-cleaning, antifouling, ice resistance, drag reduction, oil-water separation, etc. [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], which could have potential applications in various fields and have become one of the hot research spots over the past 30 years. It is well known that the two basic conditions for reaching superhydrophobicity are both suitable micro–nano layered structure and low surface free energy [ 10 ].…”

Preparation Optimization of Enhanced Poplar Wood by Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Treatment via Response Surface Methodology

“…However, due to its poor mechanical and physical properties, fast-growing wood could not be used widely, and its service life is short. Various methods have been applied to enhance the performance of fast-growing wood [3,4]. Chemical treatment has proven to be effective in the improvement in fast-growing wood with increased mechanical and physical properties by reducing the hydrophilic groups, filling the wood cavities, and strengthening the cell wall structures [5,6].…”

“…The lignin-based PF (LR) has been studied extensively for applications of wood panel adhesives, but there are few reports about the application of wood treatment. Similar to other resin impregnations, the LR impregnation is promising for the improvement in the mechanical and physical properties [3,17]. However, the thermal stability is poor and could be easily burned during combustion.…”