Abstract: Silicone-based nanocomposites that include a plurality of multimodal nanoparticles dispersed within a silicone-based polymeric matrix are provided. Each of the multimodal nanoparticle has a first plurality of long silicone compatible polymeric chains and a second plurality of short silicone compatible polymeric chains grafted onto a surface of a nanoparticle (e.g., an inorganic nanoparticle, such as silica, alumina, titania, indium tin oxide, CdSe, etc.), with the short silicone compatible polymeric chains present on each multimodal nanoparticle at a higher grafting density than the long silicone compatible polymeric chains. Methods are also provided for forming a silicone-based nanocomposite.

Abstract: Silicone-based nanocomposites that include a plurality of multimodal nanoparticles dispersed within a silicone-based polymeric matrix are provided. Each of the multimodal nanoparticle has a first plurality of long silicone compatible polymeric chains and a second plurality of short silicone compatible polymeric chains grafted onto a surface of a nanoparticle (e.g., an inorganic nanoparticle, such as silica, alumina, titania, indium tin oxide, CdSe, etc.), with the short silicone compatible polymeric chains present on each multimodal nanoparticle at a higher grafting density than the long silicone compatible polymeric chains. Methods are also provided for forming a silicone-based nanocomposite.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: A field grading material includes a field grading effective amount of a nanoparticle filler distributed in a polymeric matrix, and the nanoparticle filler is heterogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A field grading material including a polymeric matrix provided with a filler. The filler includes a field grading effective amount of particles having at least one dimension smaller than or equal to 100 nm. A device including the field grading material for grading an electric field in high-voltage applications and a method for grading an electric field at a joint or termination of an electric power cable using the field grading material.

Abstract: A field grading material includes a field grading effective amount of a nanoparticle filler distributed in a polymeric matrix, and the nanoparticle filler is heterogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material suitable for electrical insulation includes a polymer compounded with a substantially homogeneously distributed functionalized nanoparticle filler. The nanocomposite material is produced by compounding the polymer with the functionalized nanoparticle filler by imparting a shear force to a mixture of the polymer and filler capable of preventing agglomeration of the filler whereby the filler is substantially homogeneously distributed in the nanocomposite material. The electrical insulation may be adapted for AC or DC high voltage, and may also be adapted for low or medium voltage to prevent formation of water tree structures.

Abstract: A field grading material including a polymeric matrix provided with a filler. The filler includes a field grading effective amount of particles having at least one dimension smaller than or equal to 100 nm. A device including the field grading material for grading an electric field in high-voltage applications and a method for grading an electric field at a joint or termination of an electric power cable using the field grading material.