Sol-gel chemistry is a highly versatile platform within the EXOCOAT® R&D programs at Axcentive. It enables the design of hybrid organic-inorganic coatings with tunable hardness, flexibility and adhesion. In EXOCOAT® developments, liquid sol-gel precursors are transformed into dense ceramic-like networks, enabling durable, easy-to-clean and chemically resistant surfaces. By selecting different precursors, coatings can be adapted to glass, metal, plastic, ceramic or composite substrates. This is the technology relevant for protective, decorative and functional surface applications.
For marine and yacht applications, our pre-ceramic technology contributes to gloss retention, stain resistance and surface protection. The inorganic network improves scratch resistance and abrasion resistance without making the coating overly brittle. Organic modification makes it possible to tune wetting, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity and compatibility with polymeric binders. These materials can also be used as adhesion promoters between different material classes as for instance as primers in anticorrosion paint systems.
Sol-gel chemistry also allows incorporation of functional additives such as nanoparticles, pigments or flame-retardant groups. As a result, EXOCOAT® programs can address multiple markets from consumer surfaces to industrial protection. Technology is especially attractive where thin-layer performance, transparency and durability are required together.
For Axcentive, innovation and R&D are the route to create differentiated EXOCOAT® solutions.
