This technology relates to nanoparticles that are particularly beneficial in optical systems. The nanoparticles include phosphor-functionalized particles with an inorganic nanoparticle core, surface polymer brushes in the form of long and short-chain polymers bonded to the inorganic nanoparticle core, and organic phosphors bonded to the inorganic nanoparticle core or the short-chain polymers. Applications for this technology include LEDs, lighting devices, fixtures, efficient light conversion materials, etc.

Rensselaer researchers have developed a thermodynamically stable dispersion technology resulting in thick, transparent, high refractive index silicone nanocomposites that increase the light efficiency of LEDs and improve the emitted light color quality. The nanocomposites could also be processed as transparent bulk material with high filler loading, which is essential for optical, magnetic and biomedical applications.

This technology relates to synthesizing nanoparticles with multiple polymer assemblies attached. In one example, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first group of monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another example, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle.

This technology relates to a high thermal conductivity thermal interface material that allows for the formation of an interconnected, spanning, high thermal conductivity network within the matrix of a polymeric material using nano particles. This material can yield two orders of magnitude higher thermal conductivities than the non-network counterpart, as well as factorial enhancements versus the state of the art polymer composites.

This technology relates to nanofilled polymeric materials with a tunable refractive index without increased scattering or loss. The tunability allows the creation of hybrid nanocomposites that combine the advantages of organic polymers (low weight, flexibility, good impact resistance, and excellent processability) and inorganic materials (high refractive index, good chemical resistance and high thermal stability).

There is an increasing interest in using nanoparticles as building blocks for well-defined structures that have practical applications owing to the various novel properties of nanoparticles. However, their assembly is a challenging task. Methods based on surface functionalization, andor template patterning have been used for this purpose, but both of these processes can be rather complicated. Thus, there is a continuing need for a simple method for synthesizing high aspect ratio microstructures constituted of nanoparticle building blocks.

For most types of gelatin-based imaging elements, surface abrasion and scratching results in reduction of image quality. Thus, processing the image and, later, casual handling of the image can easily mark or disfigure the image. There is, therefore, a need for an imaging element having improved scratch resistance over materials currently used.