Efficient encapsulation of low dimensional particles in thin films to obtain functional coatings

Abstract The incorporation of nanoparticles into a polymeric matrix to improve the mechanical properties or add new functionalities is a very common practice in nanocomposites materials. However, the organic nature of the common matrices difficults this methodology. In this work, low dimensional particles (LDPs) are introduced in an inorganic silica matrix obtained by the sol-gel method, which provides an appropriate host to encapsulate the LDPs. The step of introducing particles with only one of their dimensions in the nanoscale, into an inorganic matrix is not defined in the literature, therefore, a study of process and efficiency of the LDPs encapsulation is carried out by means of measuring structural properties (SEM, XRD, DTA-TG, particle size) and functionalities (colorimetry and abrasion-chemical resistances) of composites in thin films.