Refractive Index Control and Rayleigh Scattering Properties of Transparent TiO₂ Nanohybrid Polymer

Abstract

The surface of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was modified by a coupling agent of 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane to render them highly compatible with organic monomer mixtures avoiding aggregation. Such TiO2 NPs were then chemically attached with a prepolymer. The refractive index of hybrid TiO2 NPs-polymer was increased dramatically in comparison with that of pure polymer, and it can be controlled by adjusting the content of TiO2 NPs. The Rayleigh scattering of hybrid TiO2 NPs-polymer was size-dependent and increased with the increase of the TiO2 NPs content. When Rayleigh scattering of the hybrid material prepared with a milling and centrifuge process was significantly lowered, one can obtain a transparent sample, which is good for optical devices.

A facile method for fabrication of titanium-doped hybrid materials with high refractive index

“…However, this approach may easily results in particle aggregation due to the largest specic surface energies of small nanoparticles and opacity because of the Rayleigh scattering of inorganic particles. 19 The other strategy is to incorporate inorganic domains into oligosiloxane matrix by chemical bond where inorganic elements are connected to organic moieties on a molecular lever. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] But it's complicated and difficult to synthesize homogenous and stable oligosiloxane resin with Si-O-M (M ¼ Ti, Zr, Al etc.)…”

A critical review of nanohybrids: synthesis, applications and environmental implications

“…A strong tendency of claiming simple surface modification -with inorganic, organic and soft molecules -as hybridisation has been observed in the material science literature. For example, attaching a monomer or polymeric molecule onto a metallic nanoscale material has been claimed to form a NH [30,31] ; similarly, large polymeric structures with conjugated inorganicorganic atoms-molecules are claimed to be NHs as well. [32] Although such minor surface modifications can enhance the material performance, it is likely that the parent physicochemical properties will be preserved and therefore they should not be considered as novel NHs for environmental evaluation purposes.…”

Optical Properties of Photo-cured Polyacrylate Thin Films Containing Bis-Phenylfluorene Modified Zirconia Nanoparticles

“…In the case of introducing metal oxides to polymer matrix, organic-inorganic hybrids are useful technique for providinghigh performance thin films. High refractive index organic-inorganic hybrids containing TiO 2 nanoparticles have been studied strenuously so far [1][2][3][4]. On the other, bisphenylfluorene derivatives are unique organic compounds of high refractive index (>1.6), which two phenyl groups bonded at 9-position of aromatic fluorene.…”