A robust, anti-acid, and high-temperature-humidity-resistant superhydrophobic surface of wood based on a modified TiO2 film by fluoroalkyl silane

A two-step method containing low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis with TiO2 precursor solution and subsequent modification with fluoroalkyl silane on wooden substrates was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (Scanning electron microscope) images showed that the TiO2-treated wood substrate was covered with uniform TiO2 particles, which generated a roughness on the wood surface favoring the formation of the superhydrophobic surface, and the decoration of (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl)trimethoxysilane on TiO2-based wood surface acted as a crucial role in improving the repellency toward water. The superhydrophobic wood surface with the water contact angle (WCA) of 152.9 degrees, maintained superhydrophobic property with the WCA larger than 150 degrees after immerse in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid solution for one week, irradiating under UV light for 24 h, or boiling at 150 degrees C for 10 h. The prepared wood surface showed multi-functions including super repellency toward water, anti-acid, and high-temperature-humidity-resistant. On the basis of the results, the functional coating on the wood surface provided an enlarged field of the wood works, such as historic structure protection. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.