Organic-inorganic hybrid materials prepared by dispersing inorganic nano-substances in organic polymers are expected as functional materials with synergistic properties. In order to prepare these hybrids, it is most important to control their interfaces between two different constituents. Silane coupling agents were one of active materials for interfacial control. Random-type silsesquioxanes, which were prepared by sol-gel reaction of silane coupling agents, are effective compounds as the reactive nano-inorganic substances. It was found that thiol-containing silsesquioxanes could be applied for high refractive index, flexible, self-healing coats, and so on. On the other, nanoparticles are one of essential materials for organic-inorganic hybrids. These hybrids with dispersion of surface modified zirconia nanoparticles can provide the controlled refractive index materials. It is necessary for the preparation of transparent hybrid materials to disperse zirconia nanoparticles in organic solvent by using a process of beads mill. Effective surface modifications of zirconia nanoparticles were successfully developed by dual-site silane coupling agent. These dispersions can be applied to prepare the high refractive index thin films.
Kimihiro Matsukawa (2019) studied this question.