Sol-Gel Coating Technology

"Sol-Gel technologies have been around for some time but today they are being developed for a variety of new applications. Only recently has Sol-Gel technologies gained considerable attention. American Trim’s interest has been with coatings. Sol-Gel coatings are currently used for scratch and abrasion resistance. Other potential applications are corrosion resistant coatings. Sol-Gel coatings provide a thin inorganic film that is both hard enough to resist scratching and corroding, and thin enough that it will flex with the material its covering."

Sol-Gel Technologies



What is Sol-Gel...

Sol-Gel is a useful and inexpensive surface treatment for titanium and aluminum.









Process

Sol liquid is produced from metal alkoxides using a series of hydrolysis reactions. The Sol is then condensed forming the solid “Gel” which is deposited on a substrate forming a thin film. This deposition can be done by either spin or dip coating the substrate. The thin film offers a light-weight yet strong and durable adhesive bond also allowing for fine control over the coating.

The Sol-Gel Coating process offers a more environmentally friendly process over anodizing without compromising strength or durability.

Sol-Gel Technologies

  • Use no toxic chemicals
  • Reduce the need for water rinse
  • Use low temperature curing


Sol-gel Process
Sol-Gel Process for coating metal

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