Sol-gel nanocomposite coatings

Sol-gel nanocomposites are hybrid materials with an inorganic matrix and organic chains that define the properties, e.g. hydrophobic.

The combination of ceramic-glass-like structures with different organic molecules leads to materials with very special properties. The new homogeneous composite material shows ceramic characteristics such as hardness and abrasion resistance, but also those of differently modified organic molecules such as oleophobia, elasto-plasticity or biological activity.

The wet chemical coating process allows internal and external coatings of tubes, capillaries and other objects with complicated geometries. The coating is applied by dipping or spraying.

  • Aufbau Sol-Gel-Nanokomposit-Schicht
    Structure of a sol-gel nanocomposite layer.

Coatable substrates

Stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, glass, plastics etc.

Dimensions

We are specialized in the coating of smallest parts in the millimeter range. Basically, we can coat with our sol-gel nanocomposite coatings up to medium-sized objects of approx. 800 x 800 mm in size.

Properties of sol-gel nanocomposite coatings

  • Hydrophobic and oleophobic
  • Excellent adhesion
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Chemical resistance in the range pH 2 – 10
  • Temperature resistant
  • Colourless, transparent, partial colouring possible

Application examples

  • Reduction of carry-over on hollow needles in laboratory automation
  • Easy-to-clean coatings and chemical resistant coatings for medical technology
  • Improved reproducibility in diagnostics
  • Scratch-resistant coatings on plastic parts and glass
  • Anti-adhesive coatings for various components in plant construction, e.g. covers
  • Kontaktwinkel von Wassertropfen auf StahlblechWater droplets on a highly hydrophobic sol-gel nanocomposite layer on a steel plate show high contact angles of about 110°.