Abstract: This disclosure describes a composition and a process for forming silica particles as either a neat film or in polymers during curing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature or thermal or radiation curing. The process includes formation of a nanoparticle precursor solution comprising a small amount of a particulate matting agent such as a silica powder matting agent in combination with a low viscosity liquid silica precursor materials such as a liquid alkoxide, alkoxysilane, tetraethylorthosilicate, sol gel silica or combinations thereof. The precursor solution can be applied to surfaces either neat to form a film upon heating or mixed into a curing polymer resin. The precursor has low viscosity so that it can be easily mixed into the resin, but during curing of the resin, the precursor rapidly forms particles, usually less than 10 microns in size depending on the concentration of the precursor used and the polymer composition.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing resins with dispersed nanoparticle precursors and methods for using said coatings as visual indicators of thermal and impact damage. The nanoparticle precursor/resin system reduces the nanoparticle precursor to its nanoparticle state when subjected to heat and/or physically impacted. The nanoparticles formed impart a color upon the coating at the point of exposure due to surface plasmon resonance. Microencapsulated leuco dyes are utilized to impart color when the coating is struck. The dye within the microcapsule is released as the microcapsule wall bursts or melts. Solubilizing agents can be utilized to improve the solubility of the nanoparticle precursor in the resin.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming a transparent clear coat characterized by a desired property, such as a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, on a substrate are detailed according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular compositions and methods for producing a transparent clear coat layer include nanoparticles formed in-situ during curing of a transparent clear coat. Curable clear coat compositions are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include one or more substantially dissolved nanoparticle precursors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming a transparent clear coat characterized by a desired property, such as a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, on a substrate are detailed according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular compositions and methods for producing a transparent clear coat layer include nanoparticles formed in-situ during curing of a transparent clear coat. Curable clear coat compositions are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include one or more substantially dissolved nanoparticle precursors.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing resins with dispersed nanoparticle precursors and methods for using said coatings as visual indicators of thermal and impact damage. The nanoparticle precursor/resin system reduces the nanoparticle precursor to its nanoparticle state when subjected to heat and/or physically impacted. The nanoparticles formed impart a color upon the coating at the point of exposure due to surface plasmon resonance. Microencapsulated leuco dyes are utilized to impart color when the coating is struck. The dye within the microcapsule is released as the microcapsule wall bursts or melts. Solubillizing agents can be utilized to improve the solubility of the nanoparticle precursor in the resin.

Abstract: A one step process is described for forming metal nanoparticles in polymers at atmospheric pressure and room temperature or with mild heating and stirring. The inventive process includes addition of nanoparticle precursor salts, e.g. HAuCl4 or AgNO3 into a “reducing” polymer resin, for example polyurethane resins, derivitized polyurethanes, polyurethane acyrlates and combinations thereof. With stirring, often at room temperature, the salts are rapidly reduced to form metal nanoparticles, usually less than 100 nm in size and often in the size range of 20-40 nm, and even as small 2 nm, depending on the concentration of salt precursor used and the exact polymer composition. The resultant metal nanoparticle-containing polymer resins have a wide range of utility for making coatings and other polymeric materials with properties potentially useful for anti-bacterial use, optical coatings, or catalysts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming a transparent clear coat characterized by a desired property, such as a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, on a substrate are detailed according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular compositions and methods for producing a transparent clear coat layer include nanoparticles formed in-situ during curing of a transparent clear coat. Curable clear coat compositions are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include one or more substantially dissolved nanoparticle precursors.