Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Green Synthesis of Silane-Modified Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Fabrication of Superhydrophobic and Thermally Stable Wood Coatings

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Nazanin Rafiee Parkoohi 1
Fatemeh Elmi 2
1 Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran
2 Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
10.22034/ijwp.2026.2082600.1757
Abstract
Problem Definition and Objectives: Wood, as a renewable bio-based material, is widely used in construction, marine, and furniture industries due to its favorable mechanical strength, ease of processing, thermal insulation properties, and environmental compatibility. However, the hydrophilic nature and porous structure of wood significantly reduce its durability when exposed to moisture, biological degradation, and other environmental factors. Water penetration into the wood structure can lead to deterioration of mechanical properties, dimensional instability, and ultimately a reduction in service life. Moreover, repeated wet–dry cycles may generate internal stresses that accelerate surface degradation. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable protective coatings to enhance wood durability is of considerable importance. In this study, the main objective was the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using orange peel extract and their application in wood surface modification, combined with silane functionalization, to fabricate a superhydrophobic coating with improved thermal stability.
Materials and Methods: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a green synthesis method using orange peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The wood coating process was carried out in two steps: first, ZnO nanoparticles were deposited on the wood surface, and then the samples were functionalized with a silane solution to strengthen the bonding between the coating and the wood substrate. To investigate the chemical structure and confirm nanoparticle formation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed. The microstructure and nanoparticle distribution on the wood surface were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Thermal stability of the samples was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), and surface hydrophobicity was assessed by water contact angle measurement.
Results: FTIR and XRD results confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanoparticles and the presence of silane functional groups on the wood surface. FESEM images showed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles on the wood surface. TGA/DTG analysis demonstrated that treated samples exhibited higher thermal stability compared to untreated wood. Furthermore, contact angle measurements indicated a significant increase in hydrophobicity of the modified samples, suggesting the formation of a low surface energy and nano-rough surface.
Conclusion: Surface modification of wood using green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles and silane functionalization resulted in a significant improvement in the protective properties of wood. This process led to enhanced hydrophobicity and improved thermal stability, and the performance of the formed coating was effectively improved. The proposed method can be considered an environmentally friendly and efficient approach for increasing wood durability in various industrial applications.
Keywords
Enhanced wood durability
Surface chemical modification
Citrus extract
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 17, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 279-294