Complex refractive index,single scattering albedo,and mass absorption coefficient of secondary organic aerosols generated from oxidation of biogenic and anthropogenic precursors

Refractive index and optical properties of biogenic and anthropogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles were investigated. Aerosol precursors, namely longifolene, α-pinene, 1-methylnaphthalene, phenol, and toluene were oxidized in a Teflon chamber to produce SOA particles under different initial hydrocarbon concentrations and hydroxyl radical sources, reflecting exposures to different levels of nitrogen oxides (NO_x). The real and imaginary components (n and k, respectively) of the refractive index at 375?nm and 632?nm were determined by Mie theory calculations through an iterative process, using the χ² function to evaluate the fitness of the predicted optical parameters with the measured scattering, absorption, and extinction coefficients from a Photoacoustic Extinctiometer and Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift Spectrometer. Single scattering albedo (SSA) and bulk mass absorption coefficient (MAC) at 375?nm were calculated. SSA values of SOA particles from biogenic precursors (longifolene and α-pinene) were ～0.98–0.99 (～6.3% uncertainty), reflecting purely scattering aerosols regardless of the NO_x regime. However, SOA particles from aromatic precursors were more absorbing and displayed NO_x-dependent SSA values. For 1-methylnaphthalene SOA particles, SSA values of 0.92–0.95 and ～0.75–0.90 (～6.1% uncertainty) were observed under intermediate- and high-NO_x conditions, respectively, reflecting the absorbing effects of SOA particles and NO_x chemistry for this aromatic system. In mixtures of longifolene and phenol or longifolene and toluene SOA under intermediate- and high-NO_x conditions, k values of the aromatic-related component of the SOA mixture were higher than that of 1-methylnaphthalene SOA particles. With the increase in OH exposure, k_phenol decreased from 0.10 to 0.02 and 0.22 to 0.05 for intermediate- and high-NO_x conditions, respectively. A simple relative radiative forcing calculation for urban environments at λ?=?375?nm suggests the influence of absorbing SOA particles on relative radiative forcing at this wavelength is most significant for aerosol sizes greater than 0.4?µm.

Copyright © 2019 American Association for Aerosol Research     

The relationship between refractive index and optical properties of absorbing nanoparticle

This article represents an analytical formulation for optical properties of absorbing metallic nanoparticles in visible region of electromagnetic spectrum based on Mie theory, in order to find a clear relationship between fundamental characteristics of nanoparticles with their spectral behavior and color coordinate in CIELAB color space. Calculations were performed on nanoparticles with various diameters (d = 50, 100, and 200 nm), as well as complex refractive index with different real (n = 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0) and imaginary (k = 0.001 and 0.1) parts. Obtained results reveal that scattering phenomena in nanoparticles are strongly linked to the particle size parameter and complex index of refraction. The results indicate that the reflectance and lightness (L*) of nanoparticles increases as a result of increase in their size and real part of complex refractive index and decrease with increasing the imaginary part of complex refractive index. The CIELAB colorimetric system was used for analysis the color of nanoparticles. According to obtained results, all nanoparticles have greenish‐blue color, and undergo color change as a result of varying in their size and the complex refractive index. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 477–483, 2016     

TiO2@CoTiO3 complex green pigments with low cobalt content and tunable color properties

Green complex pigments with TiO₂@CoTiO₃ core–shell structure were prepared through calcination of precursors obtained from the precipitation of Co²⁺ on TiO₂ particles. The synthesized pigments were characterized by colorimetry, near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The pigments were found to consist of a rutile TiO₂ core and outer ilmenite CoTiO₃ shell. The green pigments with good color properties could be obtained via calcination of the precursors at 800 °C. The pigments with Co/Ti ratio of 0.4 had the highest green component value and exhibited good color properties (L*=49.51, a*=−34.58, b*=5.53). The color properties could be tuned by just changing the Co/Ti ratio. The as-prepared complex pigments exhibited an enhanced near-infrared reflectance compared with pure CoTiO₃ pigments and also exhibited better color properties than the mixed pigments of TiO₂ and CoTiO₃. Further, the complex pigments had much lower consumption of cobalt compared to pure CoTiO₃ and Co₂TiO₄ pigments. The special core–shell structure was found to be responsible for the enhanced near-infrared reflectance and good color properties.     

Optimization of quinacridone magenta,Cu-phthalocyanine cyan,and arylide yellow ink films formulated for maximum color gamut

Investigation of ink formulation options with the purpose to obtain color-gamut-optimal set of Cyan Magenta and Yellow CMY inks is reported. Implementation of the thickness dependent Kubelka-Munk model on multiple ink layers having different and well-defined thicknesses, provides characteristic absorption and scattering (K, S ) spectra of the ink ingredients. These data enable accurate computation of the reflectance spectrum and thus the L*a*b* color coordinates for any given ink thickness or substrate. Pigment materials investigated are quinacridone as magenta, copper-phthalocyanine as cyan, and arylide yellow. Scaling the peak of the absorption band to the number of molecules per unit area for the specific pigments studied in this article provides the molar extinction coefficients, 1.21 × 10⁴ , 4.7 × 10⁴ , and 3.3 × 10⁴ cm²/millimole respectively, regardless of the different ink formulations used, in accord with Avogadro's principle. Having a set of three pairs of K, S spectra is used to compute the color gamut of any CMY color combination in the L*a*b* space as a function of ink layer thickness and formulation. Using an iterative algorithm, a color-gamut-optimal set of CMY inks is obtained.     

In situ binary sol–gel reaction of various trifunctional alkoxysilane in the silane‐grafted polyolefin matrix and its effect upon the mechanical properties

The vinyltrimethoxysilane‐grafted ethylene‐propylene copolymer/trifunctional methoxysilane (EPR‐g‐VTMS/RTMS) composites were prepared via in situ silica sol–gel reactions. Five trifunctional methoxysilane compounds (n‐hexyltrimethoxysilane, n‐decyltrimethoxysilane, n‐tetradecyltrimethoxysilane, n‐octadecyltrimethoxysilane, and phenyltrimethoxysilane) have been selected for this study. The water‐cross‐linked EPR‐g‐VTMS/RTMS composites were characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel content, solid‐state ²⁹Si CP/MAS NMR, wide‐angle x‐ray scattering, tensile strength, and field emission scanning electron microscopy measurements. The type of RTMS additive has a substantial influence on the nature of siloxane band networks and eventually the mechanical tensile properties. This finding suggests that the interaction and/or entanglement between the EPR‐g‐VTMS matrix and the substituent of the RTMS additives are crucial for the modifying mechanical properties. Moreover, for the water‐cross‐linked EPR‐g‐VTMS/CnTMS (n = 6, 10, 14, and 18) composites, the joint evidence provided by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ²⁹Si CP/MAS NMR, and wide‐angle x‐ray scattering results suggested the formation of ladder‐type poly(n‐alkyl silsesquioxane)s and the presence of the highly ordered structure with a thickness equal to the length of two n‐alkyl groups in all‐trans conformation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Preparation of titanium dioxide/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) hybrid composite particles via emulsion polymerization

Titanium dioxide core and polymer shell composite poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) [P(MMA‐BA‐MAA)] particles were prepared by emulsion copolymerization. The stability of dispersions of TiO₂ particles in aqueous solution was investigated. The addition of an ionic surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be absorbed strongly at the TiO₂/aqueous interface, increases the stability of the TiO₂ dispersion effectively by increasing the absolute value of the ζ potential of the TiO₂ particles. The adsorption of the nonionic surfactant, Triton X‐100, on the surface of TiO₂ particles is less than that of the ionic surfactant. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy was used to measure the content of MAA composite particles. Dynamic light scattering characterized the composite particle size and size distribution. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy results for the composite particles showed a regular spherical shape, and no bare TiO₂ was detected on the entire surface of the samples. The composite particles that were produced showed good spectral reflectance compared to bare TiO₂. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated the encapsulated TiO₂ and estimated density of composite particles. There was up to 78.9% encapsulated TiO₂ and the density ranged from 1.76 to 1.94 g/cm³. The estimated density of the composite particles is suitable at 1.73 g/cm³, which is due to density matching with the suspending fluid. The sedimentation experiment indicates that reducing the density mismatch between the composite particles and suspending fluid may enhance the stability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 72–79, 2005     

Radiative transfer theory solid color-matching calculations

Radiative transfer theory concepts for color-matching calculations of solid color coatings are reviewed. Two flux approximations to the exact radiative transfer theory for isotropic scatters are developed. The Kubelka-Munk theory is discussed in the framework of two flux theories. A comparison is made between reflectances calculated from the Kubelka-Munk, two flux approximate radiative transfer, and the exact radiative transfer theory for 45/0 and diffuse/near-normal measuring geometries. A color-matching method is presented for radiative transfer color-matching calculations. This method, which can be implemented on a personal computer, is shown to give good color matches for the exact radiative transfer theory. The proposed color-matching algorithm, which can be applied to all three models, gives results equivalent to established Kubelka-Munk calculations. A comparison of the Kubelka-Munk, two flux approximate radiative transfer, and exact radiative transfer color calculations shows them to give equivalent results for diffuse/near-normal reflectance data. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 22, 72–87, 1997     

Performance of Cobalt‐free La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Ni0.1O3–δ Cathode Material for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A series of cobalt‐free perovskite‐type cathode materials La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_1–xNi_xO_3–δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) are prepared by a citric‐nitrate process. The conductivities of the cathode materials are measured as functions of temperature (300–800 °C) in air by AC impedance method, and the La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_0.9Ni_0.1O_3–δ (LSFN10) has the highest conductivity to be 160 S cm^–1 at 400 °C. A single IT‐SOFC based on LSFN10 cathode, BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ electrolyte membrane and Ni–BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ anode substrate was fabricated by a simple spin‐coating process, and the performances of the cell using hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant were researched by electrochemical methods at 600–700 °C. The maximum power densities of the cell are 405 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C, 238 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C, and 140 mW cm^–2 at 600 °C, respectively. The results indicate that the LSFN10 is a promising cathode material for proton conducting IT‐SOFCs.     

Simplified method of calculating legendre coefficients for computing optical properties of colorants

The Kubelka-Munk (K-M) theory is widely used for instrumental colour measurement and colorant formulation in modern colour technology. The K-M theory is derived with certain assumptions and hence has several limitations. A more rigorous theory called the many-flux (M-F) technique was recently proposed by Mudgett and Richards to overcome the limitations of the K-M theory. Application of the M-F technique requires lengthy computations and hence is not suitable for industrial organizations for day-to-day work. It has been shown that the limitations of the K-M theory and the complexity of the M-F technique can be significantly reduced if simple equations are developed to calculate Legendre coefficients. Empirical equations to calculate Legendre coefficients (a_n/a_o, n = 1,2) are developed. The validity and utility of these equations have been confirmed by computing K-M scattering coefficients and phase functions, and comparing them with those computed using Mie-theory values. The use of these equations to determine the values of refractive index of colorants is also shown. The work reported in this article simplifies to some extent the computation of reflectance using the M-F technique and enable the estimation of K-M scattering coefficients with change in size of pigments. Utility of the proposed equations is established by computing reflectance by the M-F technique and comparing it with values obtained by using rigorous Mie equations for Legendre coefficients.     

Preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide core/polymer shell hybrid composite particles prepared by emulsion polymerization

Titanium dioxide inorganic core and polymer shell composite poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butylacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) [P(MMA‐co‐BA)‐MAA] particles were prepared by emulsion copolymerization. Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to measure the content of MAA composite particles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterized the composite particle size and size distribution. The field emission SEM (FE‐SEM) results of the composite particles showed regular spherical shape and no bare TiO₂ was detected on the whole surface of the samples. The composite particles were produced, showing good spectral reflectance compared with bare TiO₂. TGA results indicated the encapsulation efficiency and estimated density of composite particles. Encapsulation efficiency was up to 78.9% and the density ranged from 1.76 to 1.94 g/cm³. Estimated density of the composite particles is suitable to 1.73 g/cm³, due to density matching with suspending media. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2970–2975, 2004     

Reflection of light from semi‐infinite absorbing turbid media. Part 1: Spherical albedo

The purpose of this article is to study the accuracy of a number of simple approximate equations for the spherical albedo r (or the hemispherical reflectance under diffuse illumination conditions) of semi‐infinite light scattering absorbing media, using numerical solutions of the nonlinear integral equation for the reflection function of a semi‐infinite turbid medium, as formulated by V. A. Ambartsumian. We find that the van de Hulst approximation provides the most accurate approximation for the diffuse reflectance r under diffuse illumination conditions. The value of r depends almost exclusively on the value of the similarity parameter , where ω₀ is the single scattering albedo and g is the asymmetry parameter. A simple approach to derive the normalized absorption spectra of particulate matter from reflectance measurements is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 491–497, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20262     

Surface and interfacial FTIR spectroscopic studies of latexes. XI. The effect of Sty/n-BA copolymer composition on the orientation of SDOSS surfactant molecules

These studies examine how various latex copolymer compositions, ranging from 100% n-BA to 50%/50% Sty/n-BA, may influence sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (SDOSS) mobility, diffusion, and orientation near the film–air (F–A) and film–substrate (F–S) interfaces. Polarized attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is utilized to examine the surfactant behavior in Sty/n–BA latexes at the F–A and F–S interfaces. Based on the analysis developed for the purpose of these studies, the highest concentration of SDOSS is detected near the F–A interface for 50%/50% Sty/n-BA compositions. However, when the content of styrene in Sty/n-BA compositions. However, when the content of styrene in Sty/n-BA copolymer is diminished, the highest content of SDOSS is detected near the F–S interface. This behavior is particularly evident for 100% poly(n-BA) latexes. When SDOSS molecules are near the F–A and F–S interfaces, the SO₃⁻Na⁺ hydrophilic ends are preferentially parallel to the surface, whereas hydrophobic tails are perpendicular. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Multiangle Light-Scattering Measurements of Refractive Index of Submicron Atmospheric Particles

Multiangle light scattering (MLS) measurements of monodisperse atmospheric particles ranging in diameter from 0.2 to 0.8 μm were made with the DAWN-A optical detector during the Southeastern Aerosol and Visibility Study (SEAVS). The study was conducted on the southwestern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from July 15 to August 25, 1995. Individual particles were separated into spherical and nonspherical classes on the basis of the variability in elastic light scattering measured at eight azimuthal angles. Values of the real part of the refractive index, n, were then inferred for spherical particles by comparing Lorenz-Mie theory calculations to calibrated light scattering responses from narrow-aperture detectors positioned at seven polar angles ranging from 40–140 degrees. The instrument was calibrated with submicron laboratory particles with n ranging from 1.38 to 1.61 for an illumination wavelength of 488 nm. The overall uncertainty in measured n was estimated to be ±0.02. For hygroscopic particles, refractive index was found to decrease as relative humidities increased due to the addition of water; the study-average value at low humidities (dry particles) was 1.49, while the average value at high humidities (wet particles) was 1.42. The lowest and highest values measured during the study were 1.34 and 1.54. Daily size- and RH-dependent measurements are compared to indices modeled for mixtures of ammoniated sulfate, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and water. Size-dependent mass concentrations of these species, with the exception of water, were measured with MOUDI cascade impactors.     

The velocity distribution within a hydrocyclone operating without an air core

The three dimensional flow patterns in a 3-in. diameter hydrocyclone operating without an air cone were studied using tracer particles and cine photography. Analysis of films at 55 locations inside the hydrocyclone yielded data for 18 velocity profiles at six vertical positions. These data were checked for consistency and compared with the results of earlier work in hydrocyclones operating with air cores. The tangential velocity profiles were found to be similar to those produced with an air core although, n. in V_AIⁿ = const, is about 0.2 to 0.4 instead of 0.7 to 0.8 for air core operation. In this work the radial velocity component was relatively independent of radius.     

Estimate of scattering truncation in the cavity attenuated phase shift PMSSA monitor using radiative transfer theory

The recently developed cavity attenuated phase shift particulate matter single scattering albedo (CAPS PM_SSA) monitor has been shown to be fairly accurate and robust for real-time aerosol optical properties measurements. The scattering component of the measurement undergoes a truncation error due to the loss of scattered light from the sample tube in both the forward and backward directions. Previous studies estimated the loss of scattered light typically using the Mie theory for spherical particles, assuming particles are present only on the sampling tube centerline, and without accounting for the effects of sampling tube surface reflection. This study overcomes these limitations by solving the radiative transfer equation in an axisymmetric absorbing and scattering medium using the discrete-ordinates method to estimate the scattering truncation error. The effects of absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, asymmetry parameter of the scattering phase function, and the reflection coefficient at the sampling tube inner surface were investigated. Under typical conditions of CAPS PM_SSA operation of low extinction coefficients below about 5000 Mm^?1, the scattering loss remains independent of the absorption and scattering coefficients but is dependent on the scattering phase function and the reflection coefficient of the sampling glass tube inner surface. The proposed method was used to investigate the effects of asymmetry parameter and surface reflection coefficient on truncation for absorbing aerosol particles whose scattering phase function can be well represented by the Henyey-Greenstein approximation. The scattering loss increases with increasing the asymmetry parameter and the surface reflection coefficient.

Copyright © 2018 National Research Council Canada     

Statistics of star-shaped molecules III. Stars with branched nuclei

Number and weight average molecular weights and scattering behaviour of star molecules with extended branched nuclei are calculated by application of cascade theory. The nuclei considered arise from random polycondensation of monomers of the A₃ or of the A—B/C type. Nuclei of the first type are characterised by very large molecular polydispersities (M_w/M_n α M_w), while nuclei of the second type have less broad molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n α M_n). The rays of the stars are assumed to be either monodisperse or to obey the Schulz—Flory “most probable” length distribution. Analytic expressions are given for M_w, M_n, 〈S²〉_z and the particle scattering factor P_z(h) which was averaged over the ensemble. The results are compared with stars of spherical and uniform nuclei whose molecular weights and mean square radii of gyration equal M_wN and 〈S²〉_zN from the other two types of nuclei. In the limit of very large ray lengths the scattering behaviour is determined solely by the number of branches z. At shorter chain length of the rays structure and polydispersity of the nuclei have marked influence. This influence is still easily noticed from the angular dependence of scattered light at chain lengths where no differences in the 〈S²〉_z versus M_w plot are detectable. The mean square radius of gyration depends only weakly on the number of rays and eventually becomes independent of it if z 15. In that limit 〈S²〉_z depends virtually on the length of the rays alone and its distribution. Stars whose rays have a most probable length distribution exhibit 〈S²〉_z values twice as large as stars with monodisperse rays. A procedure is suggested and discussed for the determination of the number and length of the rays if the scattering behaviour of the isolated nucleus and the isolated linear chains is known.     

The association constant of macrocyclic ether–cation interactions in 1,4-dioxane/water mixtures. III. Effect of temperature on the binding

The association constant, K_a of Na⁺ with [12]crown-4, [15]crown-5 and [18]crown-6 crown ethers were determined in a binary mixture, 1,4-dioxane/water (50/50) using a Na⁺ ion selective electrode at different temperatures. K_a values were determined with the relationship, 1/K_a [L_o]^n+m–1 = (1–nP′)ⁿ(1–mP′)^m/P′, for various stoichiometries, (n:m), where P′ is the mole fraction of the complexed cation. The exothermic association constants and the thermodynamic data for cation–macrocycle complexes explained in terms of Eigen–Winkler binding mechanism are given. The binding power found for Na⁺, however, was the highest with [18] crown-6.     

An Assessment of the Applicability of Particle Light Scattering Theories to Birefringent Polycrystalline Ceramics

The applicability of particle light scattering theories to light attenuation in birefringent polycrystalline ceramics was investigated by measuring light transmittance in a model two‐phase system. The system consisted of microspheres of silica dispersed in a solution of glycerol in water. The composition of the liquid medium was chosen to produce a mismatch between the refractive index of the particles (n_p) and of the medium (n_m) equal to the root mean square of the refractive index variation in polycrystalline magnesium fluoride. The variations of the scattering coefficients (γ) with volume fraction of silica microspheres for three different particle diameters (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 μm) were compared with theoretical predictions based on scattering efficiency of single particles (K) and linear extrapolation to multiparticle dispersed systems. The measured scattering coefficients were significantly greater than the theoretical values for particle volume fractions greater than 0.2. These results suggest that application of particle scattering theories to a birefringent polycrystalline ceramic, an intrinsically high volume fraction system, is tenuous at best.     

Capture of submicrometer particles in a pressurized electrostatic precipitator

This study investigated the influence of gas pressure on the submicrometer particle capture performance of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Current-voltage characteristics and particle capture performance of the ESP were studied in air and in simulated flue gas (SFG) under 1, 2, and 3 atm. Using negative corona and air as the feed gas, the penetration of most particles of 40–400 nm in diameter decreased from 8 × 10^?4 ? 2 × 10^?2 to 2 × 10^?4 ? 1 × 10^?2 as pressure increased from 1 atm to 3 atm at constant current; and increased from 3 × 10^?5 ? 1 × 10^?3 to 2 × 10^?4 ? 1 × 10^?2 as pressure was elevated when the voltage was held roughly constant. Similar type of disparity under different pressures was also observed for positive corona and for SFG. Experiments set up to capture fly ash in the ESP showed that with constant current, higher pressure resulted in a higher initial charge fraction of the particles from the furnace, which could facilitate the penetration of fly ash particles. A semiempirical model was developed based on the Deutsch–Anderson equation and experimental data under 1, 2, and 3 atm to calculate the particle penetrations under high pressure. The total charge number on a particle (n') is calculated by incorporating the effects of current (I) and pressure (P) on relative weights of the diffusion charging number (n_diff) and field charging number (n_field), that is, n' = B₁(I,P)n_diff + B₂(I,P)n_field, where B₁(I,P) and B₂(I,P) are both empirical coefficients dependent on current and pressure. Experimental penetrations under 1.5 and 2.5 atm validated this model over the particle diameter range in 100–400 nm.

Copyright © 2016 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Preparation of zirconia loaded poly(acrylate) antistatic hard coatings on PMMA substrates

Zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrolysis and condensation of zirconium‐n‐propoxide (ZNP) in 1‐propanol at the presence of methacrylic acid (MA), serving as a chelating agent for ZNP. The formed nanoparticles were chemically modified by the UV‐curable coupling agent, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MSMA). The modified particles were then crosslinked with the hexa‐functional monomer, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA), to produce transparent antistatic hard coatings on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. Sizes of the modified particles, as determined by the dynamic light scattering technique, fell over a small range of 2–20 nm. Chemical analyses of the particles and the coatings were performed using FTIR and/or solid ²⁹SiNMR spectroscopy. Surface resistivities of the coatings were measured, and the results indicated that with inclusion of 10 wt % modified zirconia, surface resistivity of ～10⁹ Ω/sq could be achieved, which amounted to ～6 order magnitude lower than that of the particle‐free polymeric binder. Furthermore, this antistatic coating was very hard with pencil hardness of 8–9H, and attached perfectly to the PMMA substrate according to the peel test. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42411.