Inducing surface hydrophobization on cornstarch film by SF6 and HMDSO plasma treatment

► Plasma deposited films form a hydrophobic and soft coating. ► SF6 treatment induces an increase in roughness in both starch and HMDSO films. ► SF6 reticulation on starch was proved by elastic modulus increase. ► Plasma treatment can induce starch hydrophobization. ► The most hydrophobic film (SF6/HMDSO) showed an increase of the O/C and O/Si ratios.