Functionalising wood by nanosol application

Abstract

This report describes ways in which the properties of wood might be improved by application of silica and other inorganic nanosols. Topics covered are: the synthesis and modification of inorganic nanosols, and methods of applying them to wood to improve its mechanical properties; the use of modified silica sols to realise flame retardant, water repellent and antimicrobial properties; recent nanosol applications for protecting ThermoWood, for restoring and preserving wooden cultural artefacts, and as auxiliaries for improving commercial wood lacquers. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2008.