Abstract: A method of increasing water repellency of an organic porous substrate, such as wood, is provided. The method comprises applying a dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in a liquid carrier onto a surface of the substrate. The liquid carrier is selected to evaporate substantially entirely at room temperature. For example, the liquid carrier may be selected so that at least 95% of the liquid carrier will evaporate at room temperature, preferably in a 24 hour period following application to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A coating composition or a polymer composition containing UV/HEV absorbing material has a ratio of electromagnetic radiation absorption at 450 nm to that at 320 nm of greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10% and more preferably greater than 20%. An additive for incorporation into a coating, or for incorporation into a polymer, comprises nanoparticles of cerium oxide in combination with at least one other metal oxide. The additive is configured so that the coating when applied to a surface, or the polymer, has a total absorption of at least 10% of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength band between 400 nm and 500 nm. A wood coating comprising the additive, having a total absorption of at least 10% of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength band between 400 nm and 500 nm, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing nanocomposite dispersions comprising composite particles of inorganic nanoparticles and organic polymers in a continuous phase, especially in a dispersion medium, as well as to the nanocomposite dispersions thus obtained and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing nanocomposite dispersions comprising composite particles of inorganic nanoparticles and organic polymers in a continuous phase, especially in a dispersion medium, as well as to the nanocomposite dispersions thus obtained and to the use thereof.