Polysil is a silica-based nanostructured coating obtained by sol-gel process.

Silica sol-gel process coating is a technique involving the production of thin layers of silica-based material through the sol-gel method. Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) is a widely used inorganic material for its properties of optical transparency, chemical resistance, electrical insulation and more. This coating process allows layers of silica to be applied to various surfaces, such as glass, metal or plastic substrates, in order to achieve different properties and functionalities.

Silica-based sol-gel process coatings offer a number of advantageous features that make them widely used in various industrial applications.

sol-gel structure

Here are some of the key features of coatings made from Polysil:

1. High optical transparency: Silica sol-gel coatings are known for their excellent optical transparency. This characteristic makes them suitable for applications where light transmission is required, such as windows, optical lenses, optical sensors and imaging devices.
2. Good adhesion: Silica coatings produced by sol-gel process tend to have good adhesion to substrate surfaces, both metallic and nonmetallic. This strong adhesion is essential to ensure that the coating remains stable and does not crumble or peel off easily.
3. Controllable thickness: The sol-gel process allows the thickness of the coating to be controlled relatively precisely. This is important to tailor the coating to the specific needs of the application without adding too much weight or altering the size of the parts.
4. Low treatment temperature: The silica sol-gel process generally operates at relatively low temperatures, which is advantageous for applications where the substrate might be sensitive to heat. This feature allows coatings to be applied to materials such as plastic, glass, or ceramics without causing thermal damage.
5. Versatility in formulation: The sol-gel process allows various chemicals and additives to be introduced into the precursor mixture, allowing the properties of the coating to be modulated. This allows the creation of hybrid organic-inorganic coatings or the addition of specific functionalities.
6. Water-repellent properties: Silica sol-gel coatings can be designed to exhibit water-repellent properties. This means they repel water and are stain resistant, making them suitable for surfaces exposed to wet conditions or for applications where moisture protection is crucial.
7. Chemical and thermal stability: Silica coatings produced by the sol-gel process are known for their chemical and thermal stability. They can withstand a wide range of aggressive environments, including corrosive chemicals and high temperatures.
8. Corrosion protection: Silica sol-gel coatings can offer effective corrosion protection for metal surfaces. They create a barrier layer that prevents direct contact of the metal with the corrosive environment, helping to prolong the useful life of the substrate.
9. Property customization: Coatings made by the silicon sol-gel process are known for their versatility and ability to be customized, through functionalizing elements, to meet a wide range of needs.

In summary, Polysil-based coatings offer a combination of unique characteristics that make them valuable in a wide range of applications, from optics toautomotive, electronics,aerospace and beyond. Their versatility and adjustable properties make them an attractive option for improving the performance and durability of surfaces and materials.

Polysil functionalization

Polysil can be easily functionalized with various chemical elements to give the coating unique properties, among these is the modification of surface tension to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces.
This feature achieves important results in reducing aerodynamic friction, but also the formation of ice on the leading edges of the wings.

Through modification of the synthesis conditions and chemical compositions, the properties of the sol-gel coating for silica can be customized to meet specific requirements, such as hardness, chemical resistance, wear resistance and more.