Imparting durable superhydrophobic/oleophobic properties to wood surfaces by means of PFDMS@MTCS vapor deposition

Wood is prone to absorb water or oil due to the chemical characteristics of its components, which significantly reduces its service performance. Consequently, superhydrophobic or superoleophobic wood has great development potential in the wood industry. We coated methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDMS) on Birch wood surfaces by a chemical vapor deposition method. The modified wood showed superhydrophobicity and oleophobicity, with a water contact angle (WCA) of 157.7° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 141.3°. Due to the large number of low surface energy groups bonded onto the wood surface, it showed extremely strong repulsion to liquid water, oil and even gaseous water. Moreover, the superhydrophobic coating exhibits excellent mechanical and chemical stability and thereby allows long-term use in harsh outdoor environments.