• Sol-Gel Products Synonyms:

sol-gel, metal alkoxides, hydrolysis, powder, polycondensation, oligomers, sol formation,  polymerization, crosslinking, 3-dimensional matrix, seeded gel, silica, silicon dioxide, sol-gels, sol-gel, sol-gel silica, silica powder

• Sol-Gel Products Commercially Available:

1) Silica powder, monodispersed

2) Sol-gel silica microspheres

• Sol-Gel General Description:

1) A low temperature method using chemical precursors that produces ceramics and glasses with better purity and homogeneity than high temperature conventional processes.

2) Sol gel has produced a wide range of compositions (mostly oxides) in various forms, including powders, fibers, coatings, thin films, monoliths, composites, and porous membranes.

3) The sol-gel process is a versatile solution process for making advanced materials, including ceramics and organic- inorganic hybrids.

4) In general, the sol-gel process involves the transition of a solution system from a liquid "sol" (mostly colloidal) into a solid "gel" phase.

5) Utilizing the sol-gel process, it is possible to fabricate advanced materials in a wide variety of forms: ultrafine or spherical shaped powders, thin film coatings, fibers, porous or dense materials, and extremely porous aerogel materials.

6) The starting materials used in the preparation of the "sol" are usually inorganic metal salts or metal organic compounds such as metal alkoxides.

7) In a typical sol-gel process, the precursor is subjected to a series of hydrolysis and polymerization reactions to form a colloidal suspension, or a "sol". Further processing of the "sol" makes it possible to make materials in different forms.

8) Durable thin films with a variety of properties can be deposited on a substrate by spin-coating or dip-coating.

9) When the "sol" is cast into a mold, a "wet gel" will form. With further drying and heat treatment, the "gel" is converted into dense materials. If the liquid in a wet "gel" is extracted under a supercritical condition, a highly porous and extremely low-density material called "aerogel" is obtained.

10) As the viscosity of a "sol" is adjusted into a given viscosity range, fibers can be drawn from the "sol".

11) Ultrafine and uniform powders are formed by precipitation, spray pyrolysis, or emulsion techniques.

• Sol-Gel Typical Applications:

1) The applications for sol gel-derived products are numerous. One of the largest
application areas is for coatings and thin films used in electronic, optical and
electro-optic components and devices, such as substrates, capacitors, memory devices,
infrared (IR) detectors and waveguides. Antireflection coatings also are used for
automotive and architectural applications. Protective and decorative coatings have
been developed as well for glass, metal and other types of substrates.

2) Powders of single- and multicomponent compositions can be made with submicron
particle size for structural, electronic, dental and biomedical applications. Composite
powders have been patented for use as agrochemicals or herbicides. Fibers also can
be spun or drawn from precursor solutions or coated with thin films. Both optical and
refractory fibers are used for fiber optic sensors and thermal insulation. In addition, sol
gel can be used to infiltrate fiber preforms to make composites. Abrasives, used in a
variety of finishing processes, are made using a sol-gel type process.

3) Glass monoliths/coatings and inorganic/organic hybrids have various potential optical
applications, including optical filters, chemical sensors, passive and nonlinear active
waveguides and lasers. Membranes for separation and filtration processes have been
developed, as well as catalysts. More recently, biotechnology applications have been
developed in which biomolecules (such as proteins, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) are
incorporated into sol-gel matrices. Applications include biochemical processes
monitoring, environmental testing, food processing and drug delivery for medicine or
agriculture. Other biomedical applications include coatings for metal implants and
bone grafting materials. Cosmetic applications include sunscreen lotions and makeup
that incorporate UV absorbers. Source: BCC Research

• Sol-Gel Industry Oulook (2012 - 2017):

1) The global market for sol-gel products reached $1.4 billion in 2011. It is expected to reach
$1.5 billion in 2012 and it will further grow to $2.2 billion by 2017, a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%.

2) The U.S. market for sol-gel products reached $501 million in 2011. It is expected to reach
$548.1 million in 2012 and will further grow to $888.5 million by 2017, a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%.

3) The U.S. has become a leader in sol-gel research and development however, historically
Japan has been able to commercialize sol-gel technology and market products faster.
Competition from Europe is mainly from Germany. Source (May 2012): BCC Research

• Sol-Gel Packaging:

Varies

• Sol-Gel TSCA (SARA Title III) Status:

Varies. For further information please call the E.P.A. at +1.202.554.1404