Added Value for Aluminium Products by Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings

In this study novel and functional added value e.g. easy-to-clean, wear resistance and anti-ice was performed for aluminium surfaces by hybrid coatings prepared by sol-gel method. In addition, the potentiality of the developed sol-gel coatings to be used as a novel sealing method for anodized aluminium was investigated. The sol-gel coatings were targeted to perform a durable hydro- and oleophobic properties for the aluminium substrates. Furthermore, the effect of sol-gel chemistry on the repellence properties was studied. In addition, different additives and concepts were used to develop anti-ice coatings. The properties and performances were characterised with contact angle measurements, cleanability tests, wear tests, anti-ice tests and profilometer analysis. It was observed that a durable easy-to-clean property for the aluminium product was achieved by the developed coating. Furthermore, compared to easy-to-clean behaviour of the non-sealed aluminium, we noticed that the developed hybrid sol-gel coating improved substantially the cleanability of the non-sealed aluminium surface. The anti-ice coatings showed promising ice-repellent behaviour by decreasing the ice adhesion strength.