Physico-chemical modification effects of nanoparticles in radiation-cured polymeric composites

For studying nanoglobular modification effects in radiation-cured polymeric composites, we prepared polymerisation-active metallo-organic cerium(IV) s orbate (CeSo) and ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles. Thr ough electron beam curing (EBC) of nanopowder/acrylate dispersion films the latter particles can impart ferroelectricity on thin polymeric nanocomposi te foils which are of potential importance in piezo- and pyrosensorics. The CeSo nanoparticles, through the high redox potential of the metal ions, ca n undergo pronounced radiation-induced solid-state polymerisation. In radia tion-cured polymeric nanocomposites the CeSo nanoparticles form crosslinks, thus efficiently modifying the viscoelastic properties. In the event, quit e analogous silico-organic nanoparticles were used to apply this modificati on scheme to novel scratch and abrasion resistant coatings. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.