Nanocomposites of polymer and inorganic nanoparticles prepared by focused microwave polymerization for optical thin films applications

This study synthesized polyacrylic/titania nanoparticle (NP) hybrid thin films through microwave-assisted polymerization. The coupling agent 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate was hydrolyzed with colloidal titania NPs and then polymerized with an acrylic monomer and initiator to form a precursor solution. Spin-coated hybrid films have strong surface planarity, high thermal stability, a tunable refractive index (1.525 < n < 1.920), and excellent optical transparency in the visible range. A three-layer anti-reflection coating based on the prepared hybrid films, and possessing a reflectance of less than 0.5% in the visible range, was developed. This study demonstrates a route for preparing the polyacrylic/titania NPs hybrid thin films with a high refractive index for potential applications in optical devices.