Effect of Nano Titanium Dioxide on the Structure and Properties of KGM/Zein Blend Films

In this paper, konjac glucomannan and zein were used as film-forming substrates, and nano-TiO₂ under different contents (1%, 2%, 3%) were added to prepare nano-TiO₂/konjac glucomannan/zein blend films by casting method.The microstructure, thermal, mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, water vapor permeability and antibacterial properties of the film were tested. The result showed that there were interactions and compatibilities between nano-TiO₂ and konjac glucomannan/zein matrix. The roughness of surface was increased, the thermal stability and hydrophobicity were improved, but the mechanical properties were decreased. The amount of nano-TiO₂ about 1% wt, water vapor permeability (5.7×10⁻¹³ g·cm/(cm²·s·Pa)) and swelling (16.4%) got the minimum values, and the water contact angle (99.6 °) had the max values. Nano-TiO₂/konjac glucomannan/zein blend films obvious had inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli., but not obvious on Bacillus subtilis. This study provided a reference basis for the development and application of konjac glucomannan/zein/nano-TiO₂ as packaging materials.