Aqueous suspensions of colloidal silicas are readily silylated with either chlorosilanes or disiloxanes in the presence of acid and isopropyl alcohol without aggregation of the silica particle. By using a mixture of chlorosilanes or disiloxanes, spherical nanoparticles with controlled functionality can be made and transferred to an organic phase to provide stable, water free suspensions. The hydrophobic silica particles readily disperse into silicone polymers. At sufficient loading levels, they provide mechanical reinforcement comparable to traditional fillers but with improved clarity and lower viscosities. Modulus and durometer control in the cured elastomer is possible by varying the ratio of the vinyl concentration on the filler particle to the vinyl concentration in the polymer phase.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore attitudes, activities, and involvement in nursing research among psychiatric nurses practicing in a public-sector facility. A convenience sample of 90 nurses was asked to complete the Probe Nursing Research Questionnaire (PNRQ) and the Selby Research Attitude Inventory (SRAI). Nurses demonstrated positive attitudes toward nursing research by SRAI scores. The findings indicated that the education level was positively correlated (p = .003), whereas years of employment reflected an inverse relationship with SRAI scores (p = .013). Nurses with a high school diploma as their highest level of education scored lowest; those with an advanced education level scored highest. Nurses employed longer at the public-sector facility scored lower on the SRAI than those recently hired. The cross-product of age/employment with SRAI scores found that nurses who were older and employed for a greater number of years had lower research attitude scores (p = .003). Strategies are offered to enhance nursing research activities and involvement in public-sector facilities.

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