Facile surface hydrophobization of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) by silver deposition

A facile and effective method for the surface hydrophobization of medium-density fiberboards (MDFs) via the silver (Ag) mirror reaction has been investigated. The pristine MDF surface was treated with silver nitrate (AgNO3) and subsequently with glucose to reduce Ag ions into Ag particles, which led to dual-size surface roughness. The roughness and morphology of the Ag-coated MDF surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the elemental composition and the crystal structure of the surface were determined via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The wettability of the MDF surface was measured by contact angle (CA) measurements. The results indicated that pure Ag particles were successfully deposited onto the MDF surface without any impurities. The Ag surface coating was water repellent as indicated by a CA of 136 degrees, which slightly decreased with time. The hydrophobicity was derived from the air trapped in the surface cavities and the dual-size roughness.