A Highly Controlled Organic-Inorganic Encapsulation Nanocomposite with Versatile Features toward Wearable Device Applications

Ultraviolet-curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) materials can be used in a number of important applications spanning from microfluidics, surface patterning to wearable technology. For the first time, the potential of encapsulation of modified zirconia (ZrO₂ ) nanoparticles is reported in PUA-based hybrid films aimed to facilitate profoundly enhanced hardness and refractive index. By successfully manipulating the interfacial reaction conditions between ZrO₂ nanoparticles and PUA film, the PUA-based nanocomposites exhibit an ultrahigh hardness of 9 and superior refractive index of 1.64 (589.3 nm). The outcomes obtained pave the way for seamless application of nanozirconia/PUA as a potent encapsulating material that provides structurally morphable, water resistant, and optically transparent light emitting diodes toward wearables devices in healthcare.