Enhancing properties by the use of nanoparticles
Composite materials comprising nanoparticles functionalized with metals are disclosed. The composite materials may be used in a variety of applications, including in coating compositions, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, absorbent articles, and the like.
1 . A composite material comprising (a) an exfoliated nanoparticle having a surface and (b) a metal selected from Groups 3 to 12, aluminum and magnesium, wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle.
2 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by intercalation.
3 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by adsorption.
4 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by ion exchange.
5 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc, manganese, platinum, palladium, gold, calcium, barium, aluminum, iron, and mixtures thereof.
6 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises a nanoclay.
7 . The composite material of claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises exfoliated Laponite.
8 . A solution comprising the composite material of claim 1 .
9 . A solid comprising the composite material of claim 1 .
10 . A gel comprising the composite material of claim 1 .
11 . A composition comprising the composite material of claim 1 .
12 . The composition of claim 11 , further comprising one or more adjunct ingredients and a carrier medium.
13 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein the adjunct ingredients are selected from surfactants and charged functionalized molecules.
14 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein the carrier medium comprises is an aqueous carrier medium.
15 . A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising the composite material of claim 1 .
16 . The composition of claim 15 , further comprising an active agent selected from skin lightening agents, skin pigmentation darkening agents, anti-acne agents, sebum modulators, shine control agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-fungals, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-mycotic agents, anti-parasite agents, external analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, detergents, surfactants, moisturizers, nutrients, vitamins, energy enhancers, anti-perspiration agents, astringents, deodorants, hair removers, firming agents, anti-callous agents, and agents for hair, nail, or skin conditioning.
17 . A method of making a composite material comprising an exfoliated nanoparticle having a metal coating, which method comprises: (a) reducing a metal ion to metal; (b) exfoliating a starting material to form an exfoliated nanoparticle; and (c) contacting the metal with the exfoliated nanoparticle, whereby steps (a) and (b) may be performed sequentially in any order or simultaneously and the metal is loaded onto the surface of the exfoliated nanoparticle.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by intercalation.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by adsorption.
20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the metal is loaded onto the surface of the nanoparticle by ion exchange.
21 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc, manganese, platinum, palladium, gold, calcium, barium, aluminum, iron, and mixtures thereof.
22 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises a nanoclay.
23 . The method of claim 22 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises exfoliated Laponite.