Effects of graphene oxide and silane‐grafted graphene oxide on chitosan packaging nanocomposite films for bread preservation

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the dual effects of (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)‐grafted‐GO (A‐g‐GO), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the novel chitosan (CS) packaging nanocomposite films developed via the solution‐casting method. The chemical properties of GO and A‐g‐GO were assessed using FTIR and XRD. Subsequently, the chemical, structural, and physical attributes of all chitosan packaging nanocomposite films were analyzed through FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, AFM, water contact angle analysis, and food packaging tests. Successful silanization of GO by APTES was first confirmed. The highest surface roughness value was observed in the CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2 film (16.574 nm) compared to pristine CS and other nanocomposite films. Incorporating GO into the CS matrix improved its thermal stability, suggesting robust bonding between GO and the polymer matrix. The addition of A‐g‐GO slightly decreased the contact angle value (107.7° for CS/A‐g‐GO), whereas TiO2 increased contact angles (117.3° for CS/GO/TiO2 and 119.4° for CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2), suggesting a more hydrophilic structure with GO and A‐g‐GO and a more hydrophobic structure with TiO2. Bread samples showed no structural distortion over 40 days. Therefore, the dual impacts of A‐g‐GO and TiO2 on the pristine CS film imply that the resulting CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2 film exhibits potential as an exceptionally efficient packaging material for prolonging the freshness of bread.