An Effective Wood Protective and Water Repellency Thin Layer by Photgrafting

Photoinitiated graft polymerisation remains of the most efficient methods to modify rapidly the surface properties of organic substrates. This technology has been successfully applied to various organic materials, in particular on the wood, to improve the weathering and chemical resistance. The photografted thin-layer proved to be very efficient protective coating, prevent water and moisture absorption. In addition, the wood keeps its natural aspect while being effectively fortified with water repellency and UV resistance. In this study, direct evidence of surface grafting was obtained through infrared spectroscopy analysis and surface energy measurements. By selecting the proper acrylic monomer, e.g. hydrophobic or hydrophilic, wood-made materials have been render, hydrophobic, hydrophilic or have been functionalised with reactive groups.