Imparting durable superhydrophobic/oleophobic properties to wood surfaces by means of PFDMS@MTCS vapor deposition.

Wood is prone to absorb water or oil due to the chemical characteristics of its components, which significantly reduces its service performance. Consequently, superhydrophobic or superoleophobic wood has great development potential in the wood industry. We coated methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDMS) on Birch wood surfaces by a chemical vapor deposition method. The modified wood showed superhydrophobicity and oleophobicity, with a water contact angle (WCA) of 157.7° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 141.3°. Due to the large number of low surface energy groups bonded onto the wood surface, it showed extremely strong repulsion to liquid water, oil and even gaseous water. Moreover, the superhydrophobic coating exhibits excellent mechanical and chemical stability and thereby allows long-term use in harsh outdoor environments. [Display omitted] • MTCS and PFDMS constructed superhydrophobic coatings on the wood surface by vapor deposition, with no waste liquid generated during the preparation process; • MTCS and PFDMS reduced the surface energy of wood and constructed micro-/nano- scale rough structures to improve the hydrophobic properties of wood; • The obtained superhydrophobic wood exhibits excellent defense not only against liquid water and oil, but also against moisture; • The superhydrophobic coating has good mechanical and chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]