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This research focuses on improving the durability and hydrophobic properties of wood through silica-acrylic coatings.

June 3, 2026Materials0 citationsOpen Access

Silica–Acrylic Nanocomposite Coatings for Durable and Hydrophobic Wood

AMAndromachi MitaniUniversity of Thessaly PTPaschalina TerzopoulouUniversity of Thessaly VKVasiliki KamperidouAristotle University of Thessaloniki

Key Points

This research focuses on improving the durability and hydrophobic properties of wood through silica-acrylic coatings.
Wood samples from the invasive tree-of-heaven were treated with an acrylic polymer containing silica nanoparticles at concentrations of 0–4% w/v.
Physical and hygroscopic properties were assessed including density, moisture content, and weathering resistance through specific tests.
FTIR analysis was used to confirm the successful incorporation of nanoparticles into the wood without altering its chemical structure.
Treated wood exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophobic performance and reduced moisture uptake compared to untreated wood.
The treatment improved resistance to artificial weathering, with effectiveness varying by nanoparticle concentration.
While treated samples showed some color changes during weathering, they maintained higher color stability and dimensional stability.

Abstract

Wood strength, renewability and appearance make it one of the most preferred and widely used natural materials in structural and cultural applications. The gradual degradation of wood from abiotic and biotic factors has an adverse impact on its structural durability and service life. This study investigates the effect of surface treatment of wood of the invasive tree species of tree-of-heaven, through short-term immersion in an acrylic polymer (Paraloid-B72) containing silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles at low concentrations (0–4% w/v) to impart hydrophobic behavior and weathering resistance. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the acrylic polymer and silica nanoparticles within the wood structure without altering the chemical integrity of the substrate. For both treated and untreated wood specimens, the physical properties (density, equilibrium moisture content, surface roughness, color-parameters), hygroscopic properties (swelling/absorption, contact angle) and weathering resistance tests were conducted using xenon-arc combined with wetting–drying cycles. The findings revealed that treated wood has significantly improved hydrophobic performance and dimensional stability, reducing moisture uptake. Treatment significantly increased the samples’ resistance to artificial weathering, with the effectiveness dependent on nanoparticle concentration. Although moderate surface color changes were observed in treated samples (compared to untreated ones), during their exposure to weathering, reduced lightness and slight increases in red and yellow chromatic coordinates were observed, with treated specimens exhibiting higher color stability during aging. Nevertheless, surface roughness increased significantly by the treatment, slightly restricting the method when a highly smooth surface touch is required. The proposed modification method appears promising to prolong the wooden structures’ service-life, meanwhile inspiring modern strategies for conserving historical timber structures that cannot be moved and should be protected by applying less invasive protective methods.

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