Abstract: A smudge-resistant composite, comprising: a layer of polymer having embedded therein and extending therefrom at least one of: a plurality of stringed nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, or carbon nanowires. A method of forming a smudge-resistant composite, comprising: disposing, on a substrate, a layer comprising a thermoplastic photoresist or a thermoplastic polymer; and incorporating into the layer a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles comprising at least one of stringed nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires, such that the nanoparticles are partially embedded in and extend from the layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanocomposite film includes generating a bilayer film including at least a first layer of at least one nanoparticle and a second layer of at least one material and annealing the bilayer film. A uniform nanocomposite film includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles form at least 60% by volume of the polymer nanocomposite film.

Abstract: A superhydrophobic coating having a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite structure, includes: a constructing unit and a bonding unit; the constructing unit comprises inorganic hydrophobic nanoparticles, the bonding unit comprises hydrophobic polymer nanomicrospheres, and the inorganic hydrophobic nanoparticles and the hydrophobic polymer nanomicrospheres are interconnected to form uniform pores. A method for preparation of the superhydrophobic coating includes: mixing the inorganic hydrophobic nanoparticles with the hydrophobic polymer nanomicrospheres in a dispersant to form a coating solution; and coating the coating solution on the surface of a substrate using a dip coating, roll coating or spray coating process, and drying to form the superhydrophobic coating of a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layered coating adhered to a substrate surface which conforms to a surface topography defined by the anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles on the substrate. The layered coating comprises a layer of anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles. The anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles comprise linked arrays of silica net-negatively charged nanoparticles, each linked array having at least one linear dimension of about 100 nm to about 1200 nm and the anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles each have a diameter of about 20 nm to about 80 nm. The substrate surface comprises surface active moieties carrying a net positive charge and the chain-like anisotropic silica nanoparticles are held to the surface by electrostatic charge. Advantageously, the layered coatings are transparent and superhydrophobic. Also provided are articles containing these layered coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layered coating adhered to a substrate surface which conforms to a surface topography defined by the anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles on the substrate. The layered coating comprises a layer of anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles. The anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles comprise linked arrays of silica net-negatively charged nanoparticles, each linked array having at least one linear dimension of about 100 nm to about 1200 nm and the anisotropic chain-like silica nanoparticles each have a diameter of about 20 nm to about 80 nm. The substrate surface comprises surface active moieties carrying a net positive charge and the chain-like anisotropic silica nanoparticles are held to the surface by electrostatic charge. Advantageously, the layered coatings are transparent and superhydrophobic. Also provided are articles containing these layered coatings.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid compositions comprising at least one silane having one or more hydrophilic groups, at least one silane having one or more fluorinated moieties, and stringed silica nanoparticles. Additionally, superamphiphobic surfaces resulting from coating and curing a fluid composition on a substrate are disclosed. Also provided are methods of forming a superamphiphobic surface, comprising coating a substrate of interest with the fluid composition and curing the coated substrate.

Abstract: Switchable optical materials, which possess reversible light transmission in response to external stimuli are of wide interest for potential applications such as energy efficient windows, roofings, and skylights that can transmit or block light. As described herein, a composite film containing nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a polysiloxane was fabricated. It was completely transparent in the initial state due to refractive index match between NPs and polysiloxane. Upon mechanical stretching, the transmittance was dramatically reduced and displayed angle-independent structural color depending on the size of NPs. In each system, color switching mechanisms and their robustness against repeated mechanical stretching/release were evaluated. It was shown that these materials can be patterned for display hidden images.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanocomposite film includes generating a bilayer film including at least a first layer of at least one nanoparticle and a second layer of at least one material and annealing the bilayer film. A uniform nanocomposite film includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles form at least 60% by volume of the polymer nanocomposite film.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid compositions comprising at least one silane having one or more hydrophilic groups, at least one silane having one or more fluorinated moieties, and stringed silica nanoparticles. Additionally, superamphiphobic surfaces resulting from coating and curing a fluid composition on a substrate are disclosed. Also provided are methods of forming a superamphiphobic surface, comprising coating a substrate of interest with the fluid composition and curing the coated substrate.