Multifunctional inorganic-organic composite sol-gel coatings for glass surfaces

The sol-gel process allows the fabrication of ceramic colloidal particles in the presence of organo alkoxy silanes carrying various functions and the synthesis of multi-functional transparent inorganic-organic composites if the particle size can be kept in the lower nano range. In addition to this, these composites can be used as controlled release systems or designed as gradient systems. Using this approach, a coating with a very low surface free energy (antisoiling properties) and temperature stability up to 350°C, a controlled release system for permanent wettability (anti-fogging) and systems containing metal colloids for optical effects have been developed