Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Effect of Plasma pretreatment and Nano Silica on improving affectivity of Waterborne and oil based coatings on Beech wood surface

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Masood Sarajieh 1
Hadi Gholamiyan 2
Davood Efhami sisi 1
Akbar Mastouri 1
1 Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resource
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Wood and Paper Science & Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22034/ijwp.2026.2080483.1748
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: The application of new surface preparation methods and the development of biocompatible coatings containing nanoparticles are paving the way for a revolution in the wood industry and its products. The aim of this research is to investigate and compare water borne and oil-based protective coatings on the surface performance of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) and to evaluate the role of adding silica nanoparticles and plasma pretreatment in improving the surface properties and durability of the coatings.
Methodology: The surface of samples was pretreated using plasma technology in a nitrogen environment. Then, the coating formulations were prepared with and without 1.5% by weight of Nano-silica and applied to the wood surfaces by the film-application method. Finally, contact angle tests and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were performed to investigate the effect of plasma pretreatment on the wood surface. Also, the adhesion test (pull-off), abrasion and pencil hardness tests were investigated on the coated wood surfaces. The thickness of the coatings was also studied and compared using a stereo microscope.
Results: Plasma pretreatment increased the wettability and permeability of the wood surface by causing chemical and morphological changes. In general, the coating thickness and surface mechanical properties (abrasion, hardness) were higher on water borne coatings than on oil-based coatings.Pretreatment of plasma significantly increased adhesion of coating on wood surface. However, nanoparticles caused improvement in wear resistance of both coatings on wood.
Conclusion: Pretreatment of plasma on wood improved adhesion strength of both types of coating (water base and oil base) which increased the durability of coating in indoor and outdoor conditions. The wear coefficient was obtained due to the reinforcement of coating by the incorporation of silica nanoparticles which can help mechanical damage during the life. Finally, the synergistic effect of nano - particles and plasma pretreatment has a high potential for improving the performance of the coatings in service conditions.
Conclusion: Pretreatment of plasma on wood improved adhesion strength of both types of coating (water base and oil base) which increased the durability of coating in indoor and outdoor conditions. The wear coefficient was obtained due to the reinforcement of coating by the incorporation of silica nanoparticles which can help mechanical damage during the life. Finally, the synergistic effect of nano - particles and plasma pretreatment has a high potential for improving the performance of the coatings in service conditions.
Conclusion: Pretreatment of plasma on wood improved adhesion strength of both types of coating (water base and oil base) which increased the durability of coating in indoor and outdoor conditions
Keywords
beech wood
plasma
Nano-silica
water borne coating
oil-based coating
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 17, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 253-264