Preparation of chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles by ultrasonic treatment and its effect on the properties of starch film

The ultrasonic treatment could decrease the particles size of chitosan-SiO2 particles. The EDS of samples with ultrasonic treatment for 0 min and 10 min indicated that the SiO2 was present in prepared chitosan-SiO2 particles. When the ultrasonic time reached 10 min, the chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles formed and the mean size was 506.7 +/- 3.42 nm and the Zeta potential of the chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles was greater than 30 mV, showing the suspension was a stable dispersed liquid. The chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles were used as reinforcement in thermoplastic starch films to further verify their performance in enhanced films. The water contact angle of thermoplastic starch film reinforced with chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles was 44.13 +/- 5.02 degrees and had a good mechanical property with tensile strength of 8.91 +/- 0.49 MPa. This study indicates that chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles could be used as a reinforcement to prepare thermoplastic starch films and promote the application of chitosan nano particles in nanocomposite films.

Automated summary

Ultrasonic treatment can reduce the particle size of chitosan-SiO2 particles, leading to the formation of stable chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles with a mean size of 506.7 +/- 3.42 nm and Zeta potential greater than 30 mV. These nanoparticles were used as reinforcement in thermoplastic starch films, showing improved water contact angle and mechanical properties. This study highlights the potential of chitosan-SiO2 nanoparticles as a reinforcement material in nanocomposite films.