Surface properties of Bruma rosewood polished using beewax modified by Nano-ZnO

In order to improve the surface properties of wood treated by traditional wax coating technology, the Bruma rosewood sample was treated by modified beewax, which was obtained by modifying nano ZnO with different mass ratios (0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%). The morphology of the samples and the dispersion of nano ZnO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM ) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDAX). The wood surface properties with different nano ZnO contents were investigated through ultraviolet aging resistance, hydrophobicity and antibacterial properties analysis. The results showed that the color stability, hydrophobicity and antibacterial properties were significantly improved after treated with the modified wax with nano ZnO. When the nano ZnO content was 1%, the wood surface properties were optimal. After 96 h ultraviolet aging, the total color difference (ΔE*) of the modified sample was reduced by 42% compared with the unmodified one. The contact angle of the modified sample kept always above 102°. The modified sample has remarkable antibacterial properties, and antibacterial rate reaches 65%. Wood color is stable after treated by nano ZnO modified wax, which has great significance for expanding the range of application of the wax polished wood.