SBIR Phase I: Lens-forming nanocomposites for high strength, clear ophthalmic lenses

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a nanocomposite ophthalmic lens utilizing nanoparticles and UV curable monomers. The objectives are to increase the impact resistance of the lens by 33% and to improve the modulus at elevated temperatures keeping haze to 1% or less while engineering the refractive index to greater than 1.60. The ultra-violet (UV) curable monomers allow for faster polymerization and the nanoparticles will be used to engineer the refractive index; the nanocomposite will be used to engineer mechanical properties. If successful the outcome of this project will produce lighter eyewear and materials with unique mechanical properties to improve the impact and scratch resistance for lenses. The proposed product addresses a significant ophthalmic market; it takes novel material technology directly to the consumer market. Given the sheer number of people using prescription lens it is likely that the product coming out of this research project will have a significant market impact.