Preparation of a superhydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles coated chitosan-sodium phytate film by a simple ethanol soaking process

The development of environmentally friendly and transparent superhydrophilic food packaging materials is essential in our daily lives. The objective of this study was to develop a simple method of preparing a superhydrophilic, transparent, and biodegradable composite film. The composite film was obtained by soaking a chitosan-sodium phytate film in an ethanol solution of SiO2 nanoparticles. The results showed that when the chitosan-sodium phytate film was coated with SiO(2 )nanoparticles that were dissolved in 75% ethanol, its water contact angle (WCA) was reduced from 100 degrees to 3 degrees, and the film surface was changed from a hydrophobic to a superhydrophilic. Furthermore, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was significantly reduced, and the mechanical properties of the film were improved. The method is easy to carry out and can be used for the potential production of superhydrophilic materials.

Automated summary

This study developed a simple method to prepare a superhydrophilic, transparent, and biodegradable composite film by soaking a chitosan-sodium phytate film in an ethanol solution of SiO2 nanoparticles. The coated film showed reduced water contact angle, improved oxygen transmission rate, and enhanced mechanical properties, indicating its potential for superhydrophilic materials production. The method is easy to carry out and has practical implications for environmentally friendly food packaging materials.