Reversible photo-responsive smart wood with resistant to extreme weather

Functional wood is a promising building material. Due to its high mechanical properties, multi-function and low thermal conductivity, modified wood has potential possibility to replace silicate glass. Laterly, many photo-responsive, thermal-responsive and electrical-responsive smart woods have been researched to reduce building energy consumption. However, some smart woods’ responsiveness is achieved by adding toxic and expensive functional agent, which may cause problems. Additionally, some smart woods’ weatherability is not good enough, which may influence their practical applications. Herein, a reversible photochromic smart wood with high mechanical properties and good weatherability is prepared and studied. To realize photochromism, AG-80/DDM epoxy resin is dipped into the delignified wood. The reversible photochromism of this smart wood is achieved by changing the network structure of AG-80/DDM epoxy resin. Meanwhile, the dipping of AG-80/DDM epoxy resin also provides smart wood with fluorescence, pH-response and excellent weather resistance. This work offers a new perspective and basic data for preparing low-cost reversible photo-responsive smart wood with extreme weather resistance and high mechanical properties, which lays the foundation of potential applications for smart window and building materials.