Disclosed embodiments concern a composition comprising a diatom frustule and two or more photocatalytic nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of the frustule. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for making the composition. The nanoparticles are dispersed such that they are separate and not in physical contact with each other. An average distance between the nanoparticles may be from greater than 0 nm to 100 nm. The nanoparticles may comprise a dopant material. Paint compositions comprising the diatom frustule compositions are also contemplated. The diatom frustule composition may be useful for removing and/or degrading volatile organic compounds, such as those present in the atmosphere.

An antifouling structure of the present invention includes: a non-volatile liquid; a microporous structure layer retaining the non-volatile liquid; and a base with the microporous structure layer on a surface of the base. A surface roughness (Rz) of the microporous structure layer and a film thickness (T) of the non-volatile liquid satisfy Rz<T. The automobile part with an antifouling structure of the present invention includes the above-described antifouling structure.

A polymer nanocomposite coating of an elastomeric film containing at least 30 wt % conductive nanoparticles based on combined weight of elastomer and conductive nanoparticles is provided. The conductive nanoparticles have an average particle size along each dimension of less than 500 nm for nanoparticles having an aspect ratio of less than 20:1 or have an average particle size along each dimension of less than 2000 nm for nanoparticles having an aspect ratio of 20:1 or greater. The conductive nanoparticles are formed into hierarchical micro- and nano-sized aggregates having re-entrant morphology. The coating is both superoleophobic and conductive and retains these properties even when stretched under strain to over 100%. The coatings may be produced with simple spray technology.

The present invention relates to a polarizing plate including: a polarizer; a hard coating layer having a thickness of 10 m or less formed on one surface side of the polarizer; and an optical laminate including a light-transmitting substrate formed on the other surface side of the polarizer.

Articles including durable and icephobic and/or biocidal polymeric coatings are disclosed. The polymeric coatings can include a bonding layer which may contain a substantially fully cured polymeric resin providing excellent adhesion to metallic or polymer substrates. The polymeric coating further includes an outer surface layer which is smooth, hydrophobic, biocidal and icephobic and, in addition to a substantially fully cured resin, contains silicone comprising additives near the exposed outer surface. The anisotropic polymeric coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight parts required in aerospace, automotive and sporting goods applications. A process for making the articles is disclosed as well.

The present invention relates to an antireflection film which exhibits one extremum at a thickness of 35 nm to 55 nm from the surface and exhibiting one extremum at a thickness of 85 nm to 105 nm from the surface in a graph showing the result of Fourier transform analysis for the result of X-ray reflectivity measurement using CuK-alpha rays.

Coating compositions that may be used in combination with UV light for sterilization include a polyurethane component and nanoparticles having an average particle size of from about 30 nm to about 400 nm. The nanoparticles absorb light having a wavelength of from about 100 nm to about 290 nm, and are present in an amount of less than about 25 weight percent of total solids in the coating composition.

Methods of embedding particles (e.g., nanoparticles) in a coating, the methods including contacting a first surface of a particle layer with a curable resin, followed by curing the curable resin to form a coating having a first coating surface and an opposing second coating surface, resulting in the particles being concentrated at the first coating surface. Also provided are applications for materials prepared according to the disclosed methods in, for example, hardcoating and nano-replication via reactive ion etching.

A gas barrier film with a protective layer including inorganic particles is provided. A gas barrier effect of the gas barrier film is improved by including inorganic nanoparticles in a protective layer when a protective coating is performed to protect a gas barrier layer.

The present invention relates to preparation and use of biocompatible and electrically conductive 3D hydrogels comprising nanocellulose fibrils, such as disintegrated bacterial nanocellulose, plant derived nanocellulose, tunicate derived nanocellulose, or algae derived nanocellulose, together with carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide, as a biocompatible and conductive 3D hydrogel for diagnostics and intervention to mimic or restore tissue and organ function. Biocompatible conductive 3D hydrogels described in this invention can be extruded, casted or injected. The 3D hydrogels described in this invention are cohesive 3D structures and provide electrical conductivity in wet form. 3D hydrogels described in this invention can be further crosslinked using divalent ions such as Calcium ions which improve mechanical stability. Such crosslinking can take place in an animal or human body in a physiological environment after injection into the tissue. 3D hydrogels are biocompatible and show preferable mechanical properties and electrical conductivity through printed lines (4.10.sup.1 S cm.sup.1). The 3D hydrogels prepared by this invention are suited as bioassays to screen drugs against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, study brain function, and/or be used to link the human brain with electronic and/or communication devices. They can also be injected to replace neural tissue or stimulate guiding of neural cells. They can also be used to inject into the heart and stimulate the heart by using electrical signaling or to repair myocardial infarction.