Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Paper From Modified Silica Nanoparticles and Corn Starch Bio‐Binder for Potential Food Packaging Applications

ABSTRACT Plastic waste generation, including that from food packaging, continues to increase annually, posing a serious global environmental challenge. Paper has emerged as a promising alternative to plastic for food packaging applications due to its biodegradability and relatively low cost. However, the inherently hydrophilic nature of cellulose limits the broader application of paper‐based materials. In this study, we developed a fluorine‐free, silica‐based superhydrophobic coating using a simple ball‐milling approach to produce silica nanoparticles, which were subsequently modified with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in non‐toxic solvents. Corn starch was employed as a bio‐binder to enhance coating uniformity, adhesion, and mechanical durability. The resulting coating exhibited excellent superhydrophobic performance, with a water contact angle of 153° on MG non‐glossy paper, along with improved resistance to bending and scratching deformation.