Does a silicon-based nanoproduct improve the surface characteristics of amazonian woods?

Background:  Natural weathering reduces the durability of wood products. In this situation, preservative surface treatments are recommended for wood products to increase life and resistance and decrease the wood’s hygroscopic capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the surface characteristics of three Amazonian wood species - Schizollobium parahyba var. amazonicum , Cordia goeldiana, and Manilkara elata - treated with a silicon-based nanoproduct.

Results:   The species were classified according to the following classes of basic density: low (<0.550 g cm^-3), medium (between 0.550 and 0.720 g cm^-3), and high density (> 0.730 g cm^-3). The nanoproduct was sprayed along the grain of the wood samples. Wettability, roughness, and colorimetric properties were determined before and after treatment application. The application of the nanoproduct significantly reduced the wettability of the wood, particularly in S. parahyba var. amazonicum, which showed a 117% increase in contact angle, indicating lower hydrophilicity. Although the application of the nanoproduct affected the colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, and b*), the colorimetric grouping table showed that the colors of the wood did not change. Additionally, the surface roughness of S. parahyba var. amazonicum increased significantly post-treatment compared to untreated samples.

Conclusion:  Therefore, the nanoproduct can be indicated for low, medium, and high-density wood species and for purposes that need to maintain their natural color and reduce their hydrophilicity.

Keywords:
wettability; roughness; colorimetry; native woods

Nanoproduct reduces wood’s wettability, reducing its natural affinity for water. The nanoproduct changed the roughness of Paricá wood. Wood’s colors did not change after applying the silicon nanoproduct. Low, medium, and high-density woody species can benefit from the nanoproduct.