A Simple and Efficient Method to Fabricate Superhydrophobic Wood with Enhanced Mechanical Durability

The poor durability and complex production process are two tough challenges for the practical application of superhydrophobic wood. In this work, high-mechanical-resistance superhydrophobic wood was fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal vacuum dipping method using SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) in combination with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES). The as-prepared superhydrophobic surfaces exhibited water contact angles (CAs) greater than 152 degrees and water sliding angles (SAs) less than 3 degrees. It also exhibited robust stability and durability in harsh conditions, including finger wiping, water brushing, intense sandpaper abrasion, and severe ultrasonic cleaning. The superhydrophobic surface was created by the random distribution of oligomer-wrapped SiO2 NP spheres having different sizes. Further testing showed that the SiO2 NPs were firmly fixed on the wood substrate via chemical bonding, which contributed to the high wear resistance. The modification method developed in this work provides a simple and efficient route to fabricate large-scale, mechanically stable, and durable superhydrophobic surfaces for advanced engineering materials.