Inorganic-Polymer Nanocomposites for Optical Applications

The combination of organic and inorganic materials forms unique composites with properties that neither of the two components provides. Such functional materials are considered innovative advanced materials that enable applications in many fields, including optics, electronics, separation membranes, protective coatings, catalysis, sensors, biotechnology, and others. The challenge of incorporating inorganic particles into an organic matrix still remains today, especially for nanoparticles, due to the difficulties in their dispersion, de-agglomeration and surface modification. NanoGram has pioneered a nanomaterials synthesis technology based on laser pyrolysis process to produce a wide range of crystalline nanomaterials including complex metal oxides, nitrides and sulfides and with precisely controlled compositions, crystal structure, particle size and size distributions. In this paper we will present some examples of nanocomposites prepared using different polymer host materials and phase-pure rutile TiO₂. The inorganic component can be dispersed at higher 50 weight percent into the polymer matrix. We have demonstrated a 0.2–0.3 increase of refractive index in the composite over that of host polymer while maintaining high optical transparency. These nanocomposites can be used in a range of applications or optical devices, such as planar waveguides, flat panel displays, optical sensors, high-brightness LEDs, diffraction gratings and optical data storage. Experimental data on TiO₂ nanoparticle characterization, dispersion technique, surface modification and will be presented and nanocomposite properties discussed.