Sol-gel process applications: A mini-review

Abstract

Sol-gel process is categorized as a well-known and reliable coating process. The useful characteristics of this method are composition selection, easy to coat complex mechanical parts, geometries, homogeneity of the coating layer and easiness of the process. To this end, the process has been implemented in many applications from powder industry to electronics. However, compared with coating techniques, this method suffers from slow process speed and inherent cracks in the body of solidified gel. This process is meant to provide a coating layer that acts as a protective barrier on the surface of the materials such as optic applications. However, there are many other uses such as sensing applications and powder making that might be unknown or not studied thoroughly. In this study, after a brief explanation of the process, some of the most important applications are reviewed.