By Peter Greenwood, Levasil Colloidal Silica - AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. Many researchers have investigated the use of silica nano-particles in resin-based systems. Water-free systems of silane-modified colloidal silica particles have been found to enhance mechanical properties of coatings [1, 2]. Silane-modified fumed silica has been used to enhance coating properties [3]. Organosols have been used to improve scratch resistance in clear coatings by surface enrichment [4]. Aqueous colloidal silica has been used in co-polymerisation of resins [5]. Co-polymerised colloidal silica resin hybrids are also used to enhance a ...