A simple fabrication of superhydrophobic wood surface by natural rosin based compound via impregnation at room temperature

A two-step impregnation method containing first modification with natural rosin based compound (maleic rosin) and subsequent coating with TiO2 particles was used for the fabrication of a stable superhydrophobic wood surface. The superhydrophobic property of the treated wood was measured by static contact angel (CA) and dynamic CA. The morphology and chemical composition of the superhydrophobic wood surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The chemical bonds between maleic rosin/TiO2 and wood were illustrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The water CA of the modified wood surface could reach up to 157 degrees. The prepared superhydrophobic wood surface still maintained the superhydrophobic property when being immersed in water for 1 week or irradiated under scorching sunlight for 1 week or boiled at 100 degrees C for 10 h. Possible formation mechanism of superhydrophobic composite surface on the wood substrate was discussed in detail.