Researchers from Texas A&M University College of Engineering created a coating for galvanized steel food containers that repels bacteria and fungi, is mud-resistant, and reduces the risk of corrosion. The two-step coating technology can potentially be applied to grain storage silos, as well as other food storage units and containers, increasing postharvest food safety.
The coating was created through a two-step process involving the immobilization of silica nanoparticles, and the subsequent chemisorption of an organosilane layer with low surface energy. The resulting solution exhibits super-hydrophobicity and antifouling capabilities.