Facile Fabrication of Fluorine-Free, Anti-Icing, and Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Surface on Wood Substrates

Building superhydrophobic protective layers on the wood substrates is promising in terms of endowing them with multiple functions, including water-repellent, self-cleaning, anti-icing functions. In this study, multifunctional superhydrophobic wood was successfully fabricated by introducing SiO2 sol and superhydrophobic powder (PMHOS). The SiO2 sol was prepared using tetraethoxysilane as a precursor and ethanol was used as the dispersant. The PMHOS was synthesized using poly(methylhydrogen)siloxane (PMHS) and ethanol. As a result, the obtained superhydrophobic wood had a water contact angle (WCA) of 156 degrees and a sliding angle (SA) of 6 degrees at room temperature. The obtained superhydrophobic wood exhibited excellent repellency toward common liquid (milk, soy sauce, juice, and coffee). The superhydrophobic layer on the wood surface also exhibited good durability after a series of mechanical damages, including finger wiping, tape peeling, knife scratching, and sandpaper abrasion. In addition, the obtained superhydrophobic wood showed excellent anti-icing properties.

Automated summary

In this study, multifunctional superhydrophobic wood was successfully fabricated with promising functions including water-repellent, self-cleaning, and anti-icing properties. The superhydrophobic layer on the wood surface exhibited excellent repellency towards common liquids and showed good durability after mechanical damages. Additionally, the obtained superhydrophobic wood demonstrated excellent anti-icing properties.