Abstract: Zirconia particles, methods of making zirconia particles, composite materials that contain the zirconia particles, methods of making the composite materials, and zirconia sols that contain the zirconia particles are described. The zirconia particles are substantially non-associated and have an average size no greater than 50 nanometers and may contain yttrium. The zirconia particles are prepared by a method that includes two separate hydrothermal treatments.

Abstract: A durable optical film or element includes a polymerized structure having a microstructured surface and a plurality of surface modified colloidal nanoparticles of silica, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Display devices including the durable microstructured film are also described.

Abstract: A nanocomposite precursor comprises a plurality of nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in an organic binder precursor. The nanocomposite precursor is useful for forming a nanocomposite, suitable for use as a protective coating, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is homogeneously dispersed in an organic binder. The nanoparticles comprise Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles containing a rutile-like crystalline phase, wherein the ensemble average rutile-like crystalline phase content of the Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles is at least 20 weight percent, and wherein the weight ratio of antimony to titanium in the Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles is in a range of from at least 0.42 up to and including 2.93.

Abstract: A cured coating for a siliceous material, preferably an optical fiber, comprises a thermally cured polyorganosilsesquioxane having an oxide powder dispersed therein. The oxide powder has a refractive index from about 1.2 to about 2.7 and includes particles having a particle size less than about 100 nanometers. The cured coating has adhesion to the siliceous material and is transparent to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions comprising nanopartilces particularly useful for brightness enhancing films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coated optical fiber comprising: a siliceous optical fiber including a core inside a cladding; and a cured coating comprising: a thermally cured polyorganosilsesquioxane; and an oxide powder dispersed in said cured polyorganosilsesquioxane, wherein said oxide powder has a refractive index from about 1.2 to about 2.7 and includes a plurality of particles having a particle size less than about 100 nanometers, said cured coating having adhesion to said siliceous optical fiber and further having transparency to ultraviolet radiation. Also disclosed herein is a fiber optic device comprising the optical fiber.

Abstract: Agglomerated nanoparticles including Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles having a rutile-like crystalline phase content of at least 20 weight percent, wherein the nanoparticles have at least one organic moiety bound to the nanoparticle surface, and wherein the weight ratio of antimony to titanium in the Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles is in a range of from at least 0.42 up to and including 2.93. The agglomerated nanoparticles are redispersible into a liguid vehicle.

Abstract: Zirconia particles, methods of making zirconia particles, composite materials that contain the zirconia particles, methods of making the composite materials, and zirconia sols that contain the zirconia particles are described. The zirconia particles are substantially non-associated and have an average size no greater than 50 nanometers and may contain yttrium. The zirconia particles are prepared by a method that includes two separate hydrothermal treatments.

Abstract: A durable optical film includes a polymerized optical film structure having a microstructured surface and a scratch contrast ratio value in a range of 1.0 to 1.65 or 1.0 to 1.15. These durable optical films can include a plurality of nanoparticles and a rounded prism apexes microstructure.

Abstract: A durable optical film or element includes a polymerized structure having a microstructured surface and a plurality of surface modified colloidal nanoparticles of silica, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Display devices including the durable microstructured film are also described.

Abstract: Nanometer-sized particles comprise a mixed oxide of titanium and antimony and are characterized by rutile-like crystal phases. The particles are easily prepared by hydrothemal processing, and may be used as colloids, or in various compositions and articles.

Abstract: A cured coating for a siliceous material, preferably an optical fiber, comprises a thermally cured polyorganosilsesquioxane having an oxide powder dispersed therein. The oxide powder has a refractive index from about 1.2 to about 2.7 and includes particles having a particle size less than about 100 nanometers. The cured coating has adhesion to the siliceous material and is transparent to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Nanometer-sized particles comprise a mixed oxide of titanium and antimony and are characterized by rutile-like crystal phases. The particles are easily prepared by hydrothemal processing, and may be used as colloids, or in various compositions and articles.