A wood wax oil-based nanocomposite coating with excellent durability, ultraviolet and water resistance for wood finishing

The development of a multifunctional wood wax oil-based coating holds significant importance in meeting demands for wood protection and enhanced longevity of wood materials. Nevertheless, a simple method of developing such an integrated coating that possesses excellent durability, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, water resistance, and environmental friendliness remains a significant obstacle. In this paper, stearoyl chloride-grafted cellulose nanocrystals (SCNCs) with excellent compatibility with wood wax oil (WWO) coatings were prepared by combining cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with stearoyl chloride through a one-step non-homogeneous esterification reaction. Nanocomposite coatings were prepared by a simple one-step ultrasonic miscibility method using SCNCs as modified functionalized fillers. The prepared SCNC-WWO wood coatings had high hardness (grade H), strong adhesion (class 0, with no peeling), high abrasion resistance, good UV resistance, high hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 116 degrees), and good water resistance (maintainable for 1 day). In addition, SCNCs with gas barrier properties can effectively inhibit the release of pollutants within the coatings, making this composite coatings environmentally friendly. Therefore, SCNC-WWO can be used as a high-performance coating for substantial protection of wood in harsh environments, and the strategy for developing it provides insight into the preparation of multifunctional wood paint.