Powderless processing

Sol-gel chemistry has been extensively studied during the past decade. The basic reactions, hydrolysis, condensation, and complexation, involved in the formation of oxide networks from molecular precursors are now quite well described. The sol-gel process brings new opportunities in the field of materials science. It allows a powderless processing of glasses and ceramics. Coatings can be easily deposited directly from the solution onto a wide variety of substrates. Many patents have been taken and several products are now on the market. Other industrial applications will undoubtedly be developed during the next few years. 

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