Ultra-Low Refractive Index Coating Material – N-1180-50
N-1180-50 is a high‑performance, ready‑to‑use hollow silica nanoparticle dispersion engineered for optical coatings that demand the lowest possible refractive index while maintaining near‑perfect transparency and the inherent robustness of silica.
Unlike conventional solid silica nanoparticles (refractive index ~1.46), N‑1180‑50 utilizes a unique hollow cavity structure that traps air inside each particle. This design delivers an exceptionally low refractive index of 1.18 – one of the lowest values achievable in a coatable, UV‑compatible material.
Key Benefits at a Glance
Refractive index (nD25) = 1.18 – Enables true anti‑reflective performance on glass, PET, TAC, PC and other transparent substrates.
Particle size 40‑50 nm – Far below visible light wavelength, resulting in >95% transparency and negligible haze.
High solids content (50 wt%) with low viscosity (50‑150 mPa·s) – Easy to formulate, dilute, and process in roll‑to‑roll or sheet coating lines.
PGME solvent system – Excellent wetting, leveling, and compatibility with acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, and other UV‑curable resin systems.
Silica‑grade durability – Hardness, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and weather resistance inherit from fused silica.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Semi‑transparent liquid |
| Nanosilica content (wt%) | 50 |
| Solvent (PGME) (wt%) | 45‑50 |
| Viscosity at 25°C (mPa·s) | 50‑150 |
| Refractive index (nD<sub>25</sub>) | 1.18 |
| Relative density | 0.85‑0.95 |
| Nanoparticle size | 40‑50 nm |
All parameters are typical values and not guaranteed specifications.
How the Hollow Structure Works
Each N‑1180‑50 nanoparticle consists of a silica shell with a central void. When coated and dried, these hollow particles pack or embed into a binder matrix. The air‑filled cavities (n≈1.0) effectively lower the overall refractive index of the layer far below what solid silica can achieve.
Formula insight: For single‑layer anti‑reflective coatings on glass (n=1.52), the ideal index is ~1.23. N‑1180‑50's n=1.18 is nearly perfect, reducing surface reflection to well under 1% when formulated correctly.
The 40‑50 nm diameter guarantees that visible light (380‑780 nm) passes through without significant scattering – a key requirement for optical displays, lenses, and high‑end film applications.
Recommended Applications
1. Anti‑Reflective (AR) Coatings for Displays & Touch Panels
Combine N‑1180‑50 with a low‑index UV‑curable binder to form the top layer of a multilayer AR stack. Used on smartphones, tablets, automotive displays, and TV panels to improve contrast and reduce glare.
2. Optical Enhancement Films
Incorporate into brightness enhancement films (BEF), diffuser sheets, or anti‑glare (AG) coated films. The ultra‑low index increases total light transmission, boosting display luminance while preserving color accuracy.
3. Fiber Optic Cladding
Apply as a cladding layer on polymer or silica optical fibers. The n=1.18 value provides strong optical confinement, reducing bending losses and enabling tighter fiber routing.
4. UV‑Curable Low‑Index Nano‑Coatings
N‑1180‑50 is directly compatible with acrylate, methacrylate, and vinyl ether UV systems. Use as an additive or main low‑index component in optical film nano‑coatings to lower the overall refractive index without sacrificing cure speed or adhesion.
5. Adhesive Coupling & Index Matching
Blend with suitable resins to adjust the refractive index of optical adhesives, enabling index‑matched bonding between glass and plastic components in camera modules, sensors, and micro‑optics.
Formulation & Processing Guide
Compatibility: N‑1180‑50 mixes well with most organic solvents (esters, ketones, aromatics) and is particularly optimized for UV acrylate systems.
Dilution: Can be diluted with PGME, PGMEA, ethanol, or other polar solvents to adjust solids and viscosity for specific coating methods (slot‑die, micro‑gravure, spin, dip).
Curing: After coating and solvent evaporation, cure under UV light (typically 200‑1000 mJ/cm²) when combined with photoinitiator‑containing resin systems.
Storage: Keep in sealed original containers, away from heat and direct sunlight. Recommended storage temperature: 5‑35°C.
Ordering & Packaging
Standard packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, 20 kg, 200 kg (customizable)
Lead time: In stock for immediate dispatch
Storage stability: 12 months from date of shipment when stored as recommended
For technical datasheets (TDS), safety data sheets (SDS), or sample requests, please contact our technical sales team.
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