Advanced bioformulations for wood surface protection: a green chemistry approach involving zinc borate, waste oil and tea tree oil

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to enhance the hydrophobic, mold-inhibiting, and flame-retardant qualities of wood surfaces by incorporating waste oil, tea tree oil, and zinc borate into water-based organic coatings. Waste oil improved the coating's sustainability, tea tree oil inhibited the growth of mold, and zinc borate improved thermal stability and flame retardancy. Tests for hydrophobicity, coverage, contact angle, and TG/DTA were performed on the developed coating. Coatings with additives (waste oil, tea tree oil, zinc borate) showed a higher decomposition temperature (407.5 degrees C) and reduced weight loss in TG/DTA. Tests using contact angles showed that the altered coatings developed hydrophobic qualities. The most appropriate formulation was found through optimization studies using the Box-Behnken method. The results revealed that the proposed coating was an environmentally safe, long-lasting, and practical alternative for both indoor and outdoor applications.