Surface-modified zirconia nanoparticles

1. A composition comprising:

an organic matrix, wherein the organic matrix comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive; and

surface-modified zirconia nanoparticles attached to at least a portion of the organic matrix,

wherein the surface-modified nanoparticles comprise at least one non-metallic organic derivatives comprising at least one hydroxamate functionality,

wherein the composition has an index of refraction greater than about 1.47.

2. A method of making the composition of claim 1 comprising:

providing an aqueous sol of acetate-functionalized zirconia nanoparticles;

combining at least one non-metallic organic derivative comprising at least one hydroxamate functionality, or a solution thereof, with a sol the to form a mixture; and

removing water and displaced acetic acid from the mixture to form surface-modified nanoparticles; and

blending the surface-modified nanoparticles with pressure-sensitive adhesive precursors to form an optically transparent or translucent mixture and;

polymerizing the pressure-sensitive adhesive precursors to form the pressure sensitive adhesive.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one non-metallic organic derivative further comprises a compatibilizing group.

4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the compatibilizing group is selected from hydroxyl, amino, thioether, thiol, carboxyl, carbonyl, alkylether, alkynyl, alkenyl, halogen groups, and combinations thereof.

5. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one compatibilizing group selected from alkyl, alkylene, heteroalkyl, aryl, arylene, and combinations thereof.

6. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one non-metallic organic derivative has the formula:

Wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an alkylaryl group, an alkylheteroaryl group and a heterocycloalkyl group, and

wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene, heteroalkyl, aryl, arylene and combinations thereof.

7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein R2 further comprises at least one compatibilizing group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, thioether, thiol, carboxyl, carbonyl, alkylether, alkynyl, alkenyl, halogen groups, and combinations thereof.

8. The composition according to claim 1 , having an index of refraction greater than about 1.50.

9. The composition according to claim 8 , wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive has a refractive index of greater than about 1.52.

10. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the organic matrix is derived from monomers, oligomers, copolymers, or a combination thereof.

11. The composition according to claim 1 that is translucent or transparent.

12. The composition according to claim 1 that is radioopaque.