Abstract: The invention relates to an alternative composite mask that is substantially composed of a transparent support film coated with a transparent polymer matrix that contains light-absorbing pigment particles or metal particles having an average particle size d50 ranging between 0.5 and 10 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid or gel-type nanocomposite material which can be polymerised, containing a) 4.9 95.9 wt. % of a soluble polymer; b) 4-95 wt. % of a partially or totally condensed silane selected from the group of epoxyalkoxysilanes, alkoxysilanes and alkylalkoxysilanes, the silane having an inorganic condensation degree of between 33-100% and an organic conversion degree of between 0-95%; c) 0-60 wt. % of an acrylate; d) 0.1-50 wt. % of surface modified nanometric particles selected from the group of oxides, sulphides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides, carbides, arsenides, antimonides, nitrides, phosphides, carbonates, carboxylates, phosphates, sulphates, silicates, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, stannates, plumbates and a mixed oxides; e) 0-50 wt.-% of a plasticizer; f) 0-5 wt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate with an abrasion resistant and scratch-resistant coating that has a low index of refraction and comprises magnesium fluoride and at least one metal oxide or semimetal oxide. The coating can be obtained by applying a coating composition containing magnesium fluoride or a precursor thereof and at least one metal oxide or semimetal oxide, or a precursor thereof onto a substrate and then subjecting the same to a thermal treatment. The inventive coating is suitable for optical layers, particularly on translucent substrates. Examples of adequate uses include antireflection layers and interference layer assemblies.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising (a) at least one soluble organic polymer and (b) at least one mono- or polynuclear metal complex having at least one ligand which comprises at least one photochemically and/or thermally polymerizable functional group. Also disclosed is an optical component which is made by using the hybrid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for microstructuring electronic components, which yields high resolutions (?200 nm) at a good aspect ratio while being significantly less expensive than photolithographic methods. The inventive method comprises the following steps: i) a planar unhardened sol film of a nanocomposite composition according to claim 1 is produced; ii) a target substrate consisting of a bottom coat (b) and a support (c) is produced; iii) sol film material obtained in step i) is applied to the bottom coat (b) obtained in step ii) by means of a microstructured transfer embossing stamp; iv) the applied sol film material is hardened; v) the transfer embossing stamp is separated, whereby an embossed microstructure is obtained as a top coat (a).

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: Metallic substrates having a deformable vitreous coating, obtainable by applying an alkali metal silicate-containing coating sol to the substrate and thermally densifying the layer thus obtained in a two-stage heat treatment process, the heat treatment being carried out, in the first stage, either (A) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere or (B) in a vacuum at a residual pressure of ?15 mbar and, in the second stage, in a low-oxygen atmosphere up to full densification with formation of a vitreous layer.

Abstract: Magnetic particles are prepared containing a magnetic core coated with a glass layer having a substantially pore-free glass surface or having pores with a diameter of less than 10 nm. The particles are used for separating biological material such as nucleic acids. A preferred process of preparing the particles is by forming a mixture of magnetic cores with a sol formed from an alcohol and a metal alkoxide, spray-drying the mixture to coat the cores with a layer of gelled sol, and heating the coated cores to obtain the magnetic glass particles. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size of less than 100 ?m. The magnetic core may be a composite material containing a mica core and magnetite particles immobilized on the mica core, and the glass layer may contain boron oxide. Magnetic core materials include magnetite (Fe3O4) and Fe2O3.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising (a) at least one soluble organic polymer, (b) at least one mono- or polynuclear metal complex having at least one ligand which comprises at least one photochemically and/or thermally polymerizable functional group and (c) surface-modified nanoscale particles. Also disclosed is an optical component which is made by using the hybrid material.

Abstract: A process for producing a crystalline substrate with an optical multi-layer system thereon and the crystalline substrate obtainable thereby. The process comprises the successive application of at least two free-flowing compositions which comprise nanoscale inorganic solid particles comprising at least one of a polymerizable and a polycondensable organic group to a surface of the crystalline substrate and the polymerization and/or polycondensation of the organic groups of the solid particles to form organically crosslinked layers on the substrate and a single-stage thermal consolidation of these layers with a burnout of organic constituents thereof. The at least two compositions give rise to layers with different refractive indices.

Abstract: Magnetic particles with an outer glass surface being essentially poreless or having pores of a diameter of less then 10 nm as well as ferromagnetic particles with a glass surface are preferentially useful for the isolation of biological material from samples. They provide a quick and reliable purification.

Abstract: A composition with non-Newtonian behaviour which comprises a matrix former and nanoscale solid particles whose surface charge has been increased by reaction with an acid or base, and a process for the preparation thereof. The process is suitable for adjusting the rheology of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic film with an interference multilayer system applied thereon that comprises at least two layers. Said layers can be obtained by hardening and/or applying thermal treatment to a coating composition containing nanoscale inorganic solid particles having polymerizable and/or polycondensable organic surface groups, thereby forming a layer that is crosslinked by means of the polymerizable and/or polycondensable organic surface groups. The films can be used as optical laminating film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pigment, the smallest size of which corresponds at least to a multiple of the greatest wavelength of ultraviolet light or the smallest wavelength of visible light. Said pigment comprises at least one defined diffractive structure, the spatial periodicity, of which has a spatial period corresponding at least to a multiple of the wavelength of ultraviolet light. In particular, the inventive pigment has a laminar shape. The method for producing such pigments comprises the following steps: a) a defined diffractive structure is created in and/or on a film-type support: b) the defined diffractive structure is coated with a sealant on said support: c) the film-type support processed in steps a) and b) is comminuted so as to form pigment particles.

Abstract: Magnetic particles with an outer glass surface being essentially poreless or having pores of a diameter of less then 10 nm as well as ferromagnetic particles with a glass surface are preferentially useful for the isolation of biological material from samples. They provide a quick and reliable purification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for microstructuring electronic components, which yields high resolutions (?200 nm) at a good aspect ratio while being significantly less expensive than photolithographic methods. The inventive method comprises the following steps: i) a planar unhardened sol film of a nanocomposite composition according to claim 1 is produced; ii) a target substrate consisting of a bottom coat (b) and a support (c) is produced; iii) sol film material obtained in step i) is applied to the bottom coat (b) obtained in step ii) by means of a microstructured transfer embossing stamp; iv) the applied sol film material is hardened; v) the transfer embossing stamp is separated, whereby an embossed microstructure is obtained as a top coat (a).

Abstract: Preparations of particles having a glass surface, wherein more than 75% by weight of these particles have a particle size between 0.5 ?m and 15 ?m and a glass surface which contains between 2 and 6 mole % zinc oxide, have proven to be particularly advantageous in processes for the purification of nucleic acids. This in particular results in an increased nucleic acid yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid or gel-type nanocomposite material which can be polymerised, containing a) 4.9 95.9 wt. % of a soluble polymer; b) 4-95 wt. % of a partially or totally condensed silane selected from the group of epoxyalkoxysilanes, alkoxysilanes and alkylalkoxysilanes, the silane having an inorganic condensation degree of between 33-100% and an organic conversion degree of between 0-95%; c) 0-60 wt. % of an acrylate; d) 0.1-50 wt. % of surface modified nanometric particles selected from the group of oxides, sulphides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides, carbides, arsenides, antimonides, nitrides, phosphides, carbonates, carboxylates, phosphates, sulphates, silicates, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, stannates, plumbates and a mixed oxides; e) 0-50 wt.-% of a plasticiser, f) 0-5 wt.

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: Magnetic particles are prepared containing a magnetic core coated with a glass layer having a substantially pore-free class surface or having pores with a diameter offices than 10 nm. The particles are used for separating biological material such as nucleic acids. A preferred process of preparing the particles is by forming a mixture of magnetic cores with a sol formed from an alcohol and a metal alkoxide, spray-drying the mixture to coat the cores with a layer of gelled sol, and heating the coated cores to obtain the magnetic glass particles. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size of less than 100 ?m. The magnetic core may be a composite material containing a mica core and magnetite particles immobilized on the mica core, and the glass layer may contain boron oxide. Magnetic core materials include magnetite (Fe3O4) and Fe2O3.