Triboelectric and Hydrophobic Characterization of Functionalized Lignocellulosic Materials

In the development of sustainable products, lignocellulosic materials with hydrophobic properties can be functionalized and used as reinforcement, especially in bio-composite materials, as well as in various applications such as packaging, water-repellent and self-renewing materials. This study is aimed to improve the surface properties and triboelectric properties of wood materials. Functionalized wood veneers were prepared by impregnating 3 different wood veneers (beech, mahogany and oak) with 5 different chemical solutions (cationic cellulose, cationic starch, polyethyleneimine, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose). Structural characterization of the functional wood materials obtained was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) technique, wettability and surface properties were examined by contact angle measurements, and morphological properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The triboelectric properties of the devices prepared using functionalized wood materials were investigated. As a result, it was determined that the hydrophobic properties of wood materials were improved and showed triboelectric properties. It demonstrates that functionalized wood materials can be used to power low-power electronic devices.