Patent ID: 9267029
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: B82Y,C01P,C08K,C08L,C09C

Claim Text:
1. A method of making a nano-composite having individual nano-sized silica particles dispersed in a polymer matrix which comprises steps of: providing a substantially homogeneous mixture which comprises silica precursors; a polymerizable resin; a coupling agent having functional groups; a curing agent and an alkaline catalyst; and hydrolyzing and condensing said silica precursors in said substantially homogeneous mixture, wherein the alkaline catalyst is selected to initiate hydrolysis and condensation of the silica precursors to form the silica particles while simultaneously functionalizing the formed silica particles with the functional groups of the coupling agent, said hydrolyzing, condensing and functionalizing being undertaken under shear conditions and in the absence of an alcoholic solvent in said homogeneous mixture to form individual nano-sized silica particles dispersed in said polymerizable resin.