Simple one-step preparation of wood with thermal insulation and hydrophobic properties

As global energy consumption and environmental pollution are becoming more and more serious, the utilisation of biomass materials is gaining more and more attention. In this study, we introduced a cost-effective and simple method for the preparation of hydrophobic wood using natural balsa wood (NW), which involves in-situ growth of stearoyl chloride on the NW surface through a one-step esterification process, converting its hydrophilic surface into a hydrophobic one (denoted as NW-Ste). The results showed an increase in surface roughness (Rb) from 5.6 to 156.5 nm and a contact angle of over 145.2° on the wood surface. Hydrophobic wood has excellent hydrophobicity, reusability and significant thermal insulation properties. Importantly, the inherent mechanical strength of the hydrophobic NW obtained through the treatment remains unchanged, expanding the range of applications for the wood.