Abstract: The present invention provides compositions containing transparent thermoplastic polymer, surface-modified oxide particles with a particle size of less than 200 nm, and organic NIR absorbers. The compositions of the present invention may find use in reducing diathermancy in sheets, films, glazing systems and roofing systems which may be incorporated into automobiles and buildings.

Abstract: A process for producing a dispersion of at least two types of finely divided particles. The process comprises providing at least a first type and a second type of finely divided particles with opposite surface charges and particle sizes which differ by a factor of at least three, and combining the particles and a dispersion medium and forming a substantially homogeneous dispersion of the at least two types of finely divided particles.

Abstract: A polymer film with an optical interference system. The optical interference system comprises at least two layers of different refractive index, which layers comprise nanoscale inorganic particles having organic surface groups that are polymerizable and/or polycondensable. The layers are at least partially crosslinked through the organic surface groups.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element having a gradient structure, wherein a potential difference is generated in a nanocomposite material comprising nanoscale particles in a matrix material to cause a directed diffusion of the nanoscale particles in the matrix material and a concentration gradient of the nanoscale particles in the matrix material.

Abstract: Domestic appliances are provided with a catalytic deodorizing coating, prepared by applying a coating material containing a polycondensate of at least one hydrolysable organosilane, optionally one or more compounds of glass-forming elements, and particles of one or more catalytically active transition metal oxides, and then heat-treating the applied coating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a substrate according to which a self-crosslinking coating composition is produced on the basis of a) at least one hydrolysable silane with at least one nonhydrolysable substituent, said silane having one or more electrophilic groups X on at least one nonhydrolysable substitutent, b) at least one hydrolysable silane with at least one nonhydrolysable substituent, said silane having one or more nucleophilic groups Y on at least one nonhydrolysable substituent, c) at least one hydrolysable silane with at least one nonhydrolysable carbonic group that has an average of 2 to 30 fluorine atoms that are bound to one or more aliphatic carbon atoms that are separated from the silicon atom by at least two atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoscale particles suited especially for use in tumor therapy by hyperthermia. Said particles comprise a (preferably superparamagnetic) iron oxide-containing core and at least two shells surrounding said core. The (innermost) shell adjoining the core is an envelope which comprises groups capable of forming cationic groups and is broken down by human or animal tissue at such a slow rate as to allow for association of the core surrounded by said envelope with the surface of cells and/or for absorption of said core into the inside of cells.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composition for producing nanostructured mouldings and layers comprises contacting an aqueous and/or alcoholic sol of a compound of an element selected from silicon sand metals of the main groups and transition groups of the Periodic Table with species possessing hydrolysable alkoxy groups and comprising at least one organically modified alkoxysilane or a precondensate derived therefrom, under conditions which lead to (further) hydrolysis of the species, and subsequent removal of the alcohol formed and any alcohol already present originally. The process is characterized in that the alcohol is removed in an amount such that the residual alcohol content of the composition is not more than 20% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoscale particles suited especially for use in tumor therapy by hyperthermia. Said particles comprise a (preferably superparamagnetic) iron oxide-containing core and at least two shells surrounding said core. The (innermost) shell adjoining the core is an envelope which comprises groups capable of forming cationic groups and is broken down by human or animal tissue at such a slow rate as to allow for association of the core surrounded by said envelope with the surface of cells and/or for absorption of said core into the inside of cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to domestic appliances bearing on a powder-coated surface a scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant topcoat of a coating material which comprises: a) condensates based on hydrolysable silanes containing at least one non-hydrolysable substituent, the hydrolysable silanes having an epoxide group on at least one non-hydrolysable substituent; b) a curing catalyst selected from Lewis bases and alkoxides of titanium, zirconium or aluminium; c) nanoscale particulate inorganic solids having a particle size in the range from 1 to 100 nm; and d) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer containing at least one epoxide group.

Abstract: Suspensions and powders based on indium tin oxide are prepared by a method in which indium tin oxide precursors are precipitated from solutions in one or more solvents in the presence of one or more surface-modifying components, the solvent(s) are removed from the precipitate, which is then calcined, one or more surface-modifying components and one or more solvents are added, the mixture is comminuted or dispersed to form a suspension, and the liquid components are separated from the suspension to give a powder. The powder may be converted into a moulding by a shaping process. The materials prepared by this method are especially suitable as coating materials for use in microelectronics and optoelectronics.

Abstract: A composite material is described which is characterized by a substrate based on glass fibers, mineral fibers or derived timber products and by a nanocomposite which is in functional contact with said substrate and is obtainable by surface modification of a) colloidal inorganic particles with b) one or more silanes of the general formula (I) Rx—Si—A4-x  (I) where the radicals A are identical or different and are hydroxyl groups or groups which can be removed hydrolytically, except methoxy, the radicals R are identical or different and are groups which cannot be removed hydrolytically and x is 0, 1, 2 or 3, where x≧1 in at least 50 mol % of the silanes; under the conditions of the sol-gel process with a below-stoichiometric amount of water, based on the hydrolysable groups which are present, with formation of a nanocomposite sol, and further hydrolysis and condensation of the nanocomposite sol, if desired, before it is brought into contact with the substrate, followed by curing.

Abstract: A process for preparing an agglomerate-free suspension of nanosize iron-containing oxide particles coated in a stable manner comprises preparing an aqueous suspension of nanosize iron-containing oxide particles which are partially or completely in the form of agglomerates; adding a trialkoxysilane and a water-miscible polar organic solvent which has a boiling point at least 10° C. higher than the boiling point of water; treating the resulting suspension with ultrasound until at least 70% of the particles present are in the range of ±20% of the average particle diameter; removing the water by distillation under the action of ultrasound; and separating the non-disintegrated agglomerates.