Synthesis of Au@SiO₂ core/shell nanoparticles and their dispersion into an acrylic photocurable formulation: film preparation and characterization

Au core/silica shell (Au@SiO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized by coating gold NPs with sol/ gel silica in alcoholic solution. The alcoholic dispersion was added, in the range of 1-5 wt.-%, to TPGDA and photocured by means of UV light. Transparent coatings were obtained and they can find suitable applications. It was shown that the NPs can restrict the segmental motion and decrease the free volume of the polymer network, with a consequent increase in glass transition temperature. TEM analysis put in evidence that the particles are well dispersed without any macroscopic agglomeration, and many particles are present as isolated particles.