Formation and Regulation Mechanism of High-Strength and Durable Superhydrophobic Films on Wood Surfaces

Superhydrophobic modification of wood surfaces is a new approach to functionally improve wood by integrating excellent properties such as waterproofing, stain resistance, and self-cleaning. However, the mechanical stability and durability of superhydrophobic films have always been bottlenecks limiting the application of superhydrophobic wood.

With funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31570554), Researcher Wang Xiaoqing and her research team at the Institute of Wood Industry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, successfully constructed an organic-inorganic hybrid superhydrophobic film with controllable micro/nano structures on the surface of wood using nano-self-assembly technology based on the biomimetic principle of the "lotus effect," endowing it with mechanical wear resistance and self-healing functions. They elucidated the influence of process parameters on the microstructure morphology, hydrophobic properties, and mechanical stability of the film, revealing the formation and regulation mechanism of high-strength and durable superhydrophobic films, providing theoretical reference and technical support for the practical application of superhydrophobic wood. The research results have been published in important domestic and international academic journals such as *Materials & Design*, *Applied Surface Science*, *Holzforschung*, and the *Journal of Nanjing Forestry University*; two national invention patents have been granted.

Using natural balsa wood as raw material, a reusable, highly elastic wood sponge oil-absorbing material was created through wood cell wall structure regulation and hydrophobic functionalization treatment, expanding the application of superhydrophobic wood in the field of oil-water separation. The research results were published in ACS Nano, a top international journal in the field of nanomaterials, and were highlighted by science media such as ACS News & World Report and Science News.

Wood sponge oil-absorbing material

Source: Chinese Academy of Forestry