Abstract: Described is the use of nanoscale metal oxide particles as catalysts for the thermal and/or photochemical polymerization of species having at least one polymerizable carbon-carbon multiple bond and/or at least one carbon containing ring capable of undergoing a ring opening polymerization.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of compounds based on hydrolyzable silanes containing epoxy groups. The process involves adding one of the following substances to a pre-hydrolyzed silicon compound A with at least one hydrolytically non-separable group which includes an epoxy ring: i) a particulate substance B which can be selected from oxides, oxyhydrates, nitrides or carbides of Si, Al and B, and of transition metals, the particle size being 1-100 nm; ii) a surface-active agent, preferably non-ionic; iii) an aromatic polyol with an average molecular weight not exceeding 1000. The compounds obtained through this process can be used to produce coatings and molded bodies with a range of properties, in particular high scratch resistance, lasting hydrophilic characteristics, corrosion resistance, good adhesion and transparency.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing a molding suitable for optical purposes, which process comprises the conjoint free-radical polymerization of a precondensate (A) which is derived from at least one hydrolytically condensable silane (a) having at least one free-radically polymerizable group X, and of a monomer (B) having at least two free-radically polymerizable groups Y, the numerical ratio of groups X to groups Y being not greater than 5:1. The moldings obtainable by this process are characterized by high transparency and homogeneity, freedom from stress, scratch and abrasion resistance, high mechanical strength, etc.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of compounds based on hydrolyzable silanes containing epoxy groups. The process involves adding one of the following substances to a pre-hydrolyzed silicon compound A with at least one hydrolytically non-separable group which includes an epoxy ring in the presence of an alcoholate of zirconium or aluminum: i) a particulate substance B which can be selected from oxides, oxyhydrates, nitrides or carbides of Si, Al and B, and of transition metals, the particle size being 1-100 nm;ii) a surface-active agent, preferably non-ionic;iii) an aromatic polyol with an average molecular weight not exceeding 1000, the resulting compounds being useful to produce coatings and molded bodies with a range of properties, in particular high scratch resistance, lasting hydrophilic characteristics, corrosion resistance, good adhesion and transparency.