Reference #: 00992
Background:
Compared with pure silicone polymer, silicone-based nanocomposites can realize enhanced mechanical, thermal, electric, dielectric and optical properties by adding functional inorganic nanofillers. However, the incompatibility between inorganic nanofillers and an organic matrix normally leads to large agglomerates of the inorganic nanofillers within the polymer matrix. The agglomeration leads to a loss in optical transparency and severely limits the use of these materials in optical applications. This is especially true for silicone nanocomposites because the surface energy difference between inorganic nanofillers and silicone is very large, creating an even stronger tendency for inorganic fillers to form agglomerates than in other polymers.
Conventional methods for improving compatibility and dispersion of nanofillers adopted by other researchers include physical sonication and surface ligand engineering. However, these techniques only result in visibly transparent silicone nanocomposites, when thin films are made using a spin-coating method.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is an effective method to achieve good dispersion of nanofillers in a silicone matrix and high optical transparency of composite materials.
Advantages and Benefits:
Potential Applications:
The well-dispersed, functional, silicone-based nanocomposites from this invention would have wide optical, optoelectronic, and biomedical applications.