INTRODUCTION

The sol-gel method is a cost-effective and convenient route to prepare mono and multicomponent glasses and ceramic, some of which would not be possible to form by conventional processes. This is because of the use of homogeneous liquid solutions and the ability to form gels at room temperature.

The term sol-gel was first coined in the late 1800s. It generally refers to a low-temperature method using chemical precursors that can produce ceramics and glasses with higher purity and better homogeneity than high-temperature conventional processes. This process has been used to produce a wide range of compositions (mostly oxides) in various forms, including powders, fibers, coatings and thin films, monoliths and composites, and porous membranes. Organic/inorganic hybrids, where a gel (usually silica) is impregnated with polymers or organic dyes to provide specific properties, can also be made. One of the most attractive features of the sol-gel process is that it can produce compositions that cannot be created with conventional methods. Another benefit is that the mixing level of the solution is retained in the final product, often on the molecular scale.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report:

• Provides an overview of the various commercial products made with the sol-gel process and their applications.
• Identifies the technological and business issues related to the development and commercial production of sol-gel-derived products.
• Analyzes the domestic and foreign competition among companies involved with sol-gel products and competing products.
• Forecasts the current size and future growth of the U.S. and global markets for sol-gel products and applications.
• Profiles all U.S. organizations involved in the development and commercialization of sol gel-derived products.
• Identifies the foreign companies, universities, and other institutions involved in the development and commercialization of sol gel-derived products.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The conclusions of this report are based on information derived from interviews with experts in the field, including those in industry and academia. Extensive literature, Internet, and patent searches were conducted to obtain an overall assessment of the technology. Other information was obtained from trade publications, technical journals, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, European Commission research databases and trade associations. Approximately 120 companies, universities, and other institutions were contacted for this study.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

This study was authored by Dr. Thomas Abraham. Since 1986, Dr. Abraham has been directing the market and industry analysis of advanced ceramics and related areas at BCC Research, and has authored numerous reports on these technologies and markets. A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Abraham had worked earlier for the University of Denver and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Dr. Abraham has been a frequent invited speaker on the state of the advanced material industries at American Ceramic Society (ACS) meetings, as well as numerous other conferences and events held by various associations involved in the ceramics and advanced materials industries. One of the most important studies Dr. Abraham undertook was for the Office of Technology Assessment of the U.S. Congress on the "Strategies for Advanced Ceramic Materials in the U.S." Dr. Abraham has also conducted technology transfer and commercialization studies for several companies and major laboratories.