Nanoparticle coatings were deposited onto different tropical wood samples for controlling the surface hydrophobicity. The styrene(maleimide) nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous dispersions under pure conditions or in combination with 70 wt.-% palm oil. A first evaluation of the non-coated wood surfaces indicates a high dependence between the water contact angles, the average surface roughness and wood density: dewetting phenomena occur on high-density wood and penetration phenomena happen on low-density wood. These interactions further determine the behaviour of the nanoparticle dispersions in contact with the different wood surfaces. The nanoparticle coatings are consequently more homogeneous on low-density wood compared to high-density wood. The water contact angles of pure nanoparticle coatings increase for all wood types, although instabilities are observed due to the porous coating structure. The hybrid nanoparticle coatings including palm oil provide highest hydrophobicity, as the vegetable oil acts as a natural binder component and provides more continuous coatings. The coatings are further evaluated with optical roughness measurements, indicating that the surface structure and coating performance is mainly determined by the original wood density

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