Hk. Schmidt et al., The sol-gel process for nano-technologies: New nanocomposites with interesting optical and mechanical properties, J SOL-GEL S, 13(1-3), 1998, pp. 397-404
Various nanocomposite systems have been synthesized by sol-gel routes. For
this reason, prefabricated nanoparticles (SiO2 sols or boehmite powder) hav
e been dispersed after surface modification in sol-gel-derived organically
modified or polymeric ligand matrices. In all cases, a significant effect o
n dispersibility by surface modification could be observed. After curing, t
he mechanical or optical properties depend strongly on the dispersion and s
urface modification. Using these results, composites to be used in chip cou
pling and as hard coatings on polycarbonate and CR 39 have been developed.