The sol-gel process for nano-technologies: New nanocomposites with interesting optical and mechanical properties

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.