Ultrasonic method for the production of inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposite

1 . A method for producing an organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite which comprises:

a. subjecting a dispersion of inorganic particles to ultrasonic agitation to produce a dispersion of nanosized inorganic particles having at least one linear dimension having a mean size between 0.1 and 250 nm; and

b. reacting the nanosized inorganic particles from step a. with an organic coupling agent to modify the surface of said particles to inhibit agglomeration of said particles.

2 . The method according to claim 1 wherein the particles of step a. are subjected to both ultrasonic and mechanical agitation.

3 . The method according to claim 2 wherein ultrasonic and mechanical agitation are performed simultaneously.

4 . The method according to claim 2 wherein ultrasonic and mechanical agitation are performed sequentially.

5 . The method according to claim 1 wherein the inorganic particles are at least one of metals, metal oxides, carbon and silica.

6 . The method according to claim 1 wherein the cotipling agent is at least one or organosilanes, organotitanates and organozirconates.

7 . The method according to claim 1 wherein the coupling agent provides polymerizable/crosslinkable reactivity.

8 . The method according to claim 1 wherein the coupling agent provides radiation-curable functionality.

9 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the coupling agent comprises at least one (meth)acrylate functionality.

10 . The method according to claim 1 wherein an adhesion promoter is additionally employed in step b.

11 . The method according to claim 10 wherein the adhesion promoter is an organosilane.

12 . The hybrid nanocomposite produced according to claim 1 .

13 . A radiation curable composition comprising the hybrid nanocomposite according to claim 12 and a radiation-curable resin.

14 . The radiation curable composition according to claim 13 additionally comprising a photoinitiator.