Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 polymeric nanocomposites with tailorable optical properties

Main aim of this work was the fabrication and characterization of polymeric TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites. When dispersed at the nanoscale level, TiO2 can tune the optical properties of the polymeric matrix, such as the UV absorption and the increase of refractive index, preserving the transparency in the visible and the flexibility of the polymer. TiO2 nanopaticles were modified on the surface with different molecules; they were then dispersed in MMA and polymerized in bulk, in order to obtain optically transparent TiO2/Poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) sheets. The application of these objects was in the solid-state lighting field, where the nanoparticles play the role of light diffusers according to Rayleigh Scattering. Films based on poly 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (PEOX) and TiO2 nanoparticles with concentrations up to 44 % in weight were also prepared by casting from water solutions. Nanocomposites films remained highly transparent in the visible, and absorbed UV radiation up to the proximity of the visible range. The refractive indices of the films raised from about 1.52 to 1.65 with increasing of TiO2 concentration. The good optical properties and the solubility in water of these materials could allow their application in the paint and coating industry, and in the field of conservation of cultural heritage as consolidants or varnishes of paintings.