Nanosilica based compositions, structures and apparatus incorporating same and related methods

Abstract

Silica based compositions that may be used coatings, films or other cast structures, as well as related methods and resulting structures are provided. In one embodiment, a hybrid nanosilica (HNS) composition includes tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), methyl triethoxysilane (MTEOS) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The composition may be used as a coating to provide various types of protection and device performance enhancement. For example, the composition may be used for impact protection or corrosion resistance. In one particular embodiment, optically enhancing nanoparticles may be dispersed throughout the HNS material and used as an antireflective coating (ARC) for various optical purposes.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A composition comprising:
 tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS);   methyl triethoxysilane (MTEOS); and   glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS).   
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 19 , further comprising (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (ATEOS). 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein TEOS is present in the amount of approximately 5-50 mole %. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 21 , wherein MTEOS is present in the amount of approximately 50-90 mole %. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein GPTMS is present in the amount of approximately 5-25 mole %. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein TEOS is present in the amount of approximately 20-25 mole %. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the MTEOS is present in the amount of approximately 50-60 mole %. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein GPTMS is present in the amount of approximately 15-20 mole %. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein the TEOS, the MTEOS and the GPTMS form a matrix and wherein a plurality of optically enhancing nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the matrix. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 19 , further comprising at least one of a hydrophobic agent, a hydrophilic agent and an oleophobic agent. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 water;   alcohol; and   acid.   
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the acid includes acetic acid. 
     
     
         31 .- 60 . (canceled)