Waterborne WC nanodispersions

Many inorganic nanoparticles are produced as powders, but their utilization is almost always in dispersion or suspension form. We present a novel nanolatex that is very effective at producing the first reported stable waterborne dispersions of nanoparticulate WC, starting with highly aggregated WC nanopowder. Transmission electron micrographs show that the nanopowder is highly dispersed in/on the hydrogel nanolatex particles. Thermal diffusivity, dielectric loss, optical, and mechanical properties of thin films derived from waterborne dispersions are presented. Such waterborne dispersions and nanocomposite films represent new materials for photothermal, hardening, abrasive/polishing and catalysis applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.