Sol (Solution): A colloidal suspension of tiny particles in a liquid medium which undergoes hydrolysis and condensation polymerization to form a “gel”. This occurs in the activation phase (discussed below).
Gel: A solid, jelly-like material that has properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough. Gels are defined as a substantially dilute cross-linked system, which exhibits no flow when in the steady state. When the gel is applied as a coating and is dried, a hard, glass-like film is created, with a ceramic appearance.
Gel: A solid, jelly-like material that has properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough. Gels are defined as a substantially dilute cross-linked system, which exhibits no flow when in the steady state. When the gel is applied as a coating and is dried, a hard, glass-like film is created, with a ceramic appearance.
Are they really “ceramic” coatings?
Sol-gel technology is a hybrid of organic and inorganic chemistry. Coatings produced using sol-gel technology are more accurately described as ceramic-like; they feature many of the same characteristics as ceramic but to a lesser extent. Compared to PTFE, sol-gel coatings are harder (9H pencil hardness), and can function at higher temperatures (up to 450°C/840°F).
“Ceramic” is a broad term, and such products are usually divided into four sectors: structural (bricks, pipes), refractories (kiln linings), white wares (tableware, pottery) and technical (engineering). That’s why sol-gel coatings are more accurately described as “ceramic-like”.
“Ceramic” is a broad term, and such products are usually divided into four sectors: structural (bricks, pipes), refractories (kiln linings), white wares (tableware, pottery) and technical (engineering). That’s why sol-gel coatings are more accurately described as “ceramic-like”.
If sol-gel coatings have no fluoropolymers, what makes them nonstick?
Sol-gel is a hybrid material. Because of its chemical nature it possesses the strength of silica while achieving excellent smoothness and good release without fluoropolymers. The release or nonstick ingredient is embedded in the coating.