Tailored Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Interfaced With Corn Husk Lignocellulose for High-Performance Sustainable Packaging

To cope with the increased plastic production rate and the upsurge in hazards to the Earth, natural, eco-friendly packaging is urged as an alternative. Nanotechnology impresses a prime contribution to improving foods' shelf life and biodegradability of packaging film. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with three different molar concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 M) were synthesised using the sol-gel process. A fibrous, degradable, bio-active corn husks (CH) biocomposite was used in the packaging film. Four films, CZ0-0 M (CZ-Corn Zinc), CZ1-0.3, CZ2-0.6, and CZ3-0.9 M, were prepared with a biodegradable plasticiser and CH. The particle sizes of NPs synthesised with different molar concentrations were investigated to be 24, 31, and 29 nm using the XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis, and their effective stability was estimated using zeta potential analysis. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrometer) analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO with a peak observed at 510-490 cm^-1. An upsurge in the molar concentration of NPs in the prepared film increases its hydrophobicity to 103.44°, UV (Ultra Violet) blocking > 50%, Young's Modulus between 11.23 and 24.11 MPa, and dielectric constant with a range between 14.94 and 25.57 was observed. Homogeneity, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and insulation properties of the films enhance their suitability for storing foodstuffs, industrial applications, and for electrical and electronic packaging.