Applications of sol–gel coatings: past, present, and future

Abstract

Abstract The exceptional properties of sol–gel derived pure inorganic and organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite coatings have been adequately realized. Therefore they are presently being commercially exploited for various applications such as antireflective, solar selective, solar control, corrosion protection (barrier and self-healing type), antibacterial, self-cleaning, easy-to-clean, photocatalytic, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, etc. The most obvious advantage of inorganic–organic hybrids is that they can combine the divergent properties of inorganic and organic components in a single material. Other notable advantages of the sol–gel hybrid nanocomposite coatings are: (1) high coating thicknesses (≥1\xa0µm) are possible in a single coating step; (2) possibility of generation of multifunctional coatings; (3) flexibility of coating and compatibility with organic paints; (4) suitable for deposition on wide variety of substrates; (5) amenable to automation; and (6) ease of coating deposition, for example, use of spray, dip, and spin coating techniques. This chapter will focus on the global scenario of the past, present, and future of the applications of sol–gel coatings with selected examples. A detailed patent landscape analysis showing the market potential of sol–gel coatings with regard to various applications will also be presented to substantiate the discussions.