Synergistic effect of TiO₂ and PDMS on improving anti-weathering properties of surface thermally-modified wood

ObjectiveSurface thermally-modified wood is commonly used in outdoor conditions, and prone to aging under the effects of light and moisture, which limits its application to some extent. Therefore, it is necessary to explore an effective and feasible modification method to improve the anti-weathering properties of surface thermally-modified wood.

MethodIn this study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were used separately or corporately as a pretreatment method for surface thermal modification. Changes of microstructure and substance composition on wood surface were measured by means of field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the efficiency and mechanism of each treatment methods for improving the aging resistance of surface thermally-modified wood were discussed.

ResultTreatment with TiO₂ or PDMS alone can not improve anti-weathering property of surface thermally-modified wood effectively, while TiO₂/PDMS composite modification treatment effectively improved the color stability, hydrophobicity and abrasion resistance of surface thermally-modified wood due to UV-shielding property of TiO₂ and waterproof effect of PDMS. The nano-TiO₂ which formed on wood surface can scatter, reflect and absorb UV light to prevent wood components from being destroyed by absorbing UV light, and PDMS can reduce the loss of TiO₂ particles due to the influence of moisture and friction.

ConclusionTiO₂ and PDMS have a synergistic effect on improving the anti-weathering property of surface thermally-modified wood.