Sol-Gel coating for perfect surfaces

In the home solutions industry, where visual appeal and functionality are crucial factors, Argos ST took on an interesting challenge by collaborating with a leading company in the sink and tap market. They requested a solution for protecting and improving the surfaces of products so as to make them hydrophobic, resistant to boiling water, steam and abrasion, and long-lasting without altering their original appearance.

We responded with an ultra-hydrophobic transparent Sol-Gel coating, which satisfied all the required needs in addition to preserving the appearance and colour of the surfaces without altering their technical performances.

Sol-Gel, perfect protection and easy maintenance

The requested coating had to protect the surface against external aggressions, in the following ways:

• Hydrophobic properties to prevent water from adhering to the surface, helping it to slip off.
• Resistance to boiling water and steam.
• Suitability for contact with foodstuffs.
• Resistance to abrasion, to preserve the appearance and colour even after repeated daily cleaning cycles.

Moreover, the treatment did not have to alter in any way the aesthetic appearance of the stainless steel sink pre-coloured with the PVD technology.

To fulfil these requests, we proposed a transparent Sol-Gel coating, an advanced technology that resolved all these issues, while also improving the product’s resistance.

This nanometre-thick treatment allowed for obtaining a surface that effectively withstands boiling water and steam, while preserving the sheen and homogeneity of the surface even after it comes into contact with water.

The advantages of this coating are evident and respond perfectly to the customer’s requests.

• Preservation of the original appearance: thanks to the coating’s transparency, it was possible to preserve the sink’s aesthetic finish without altering the material’s colour or appearance.
• Improved longevity: the coating increased the product’s resistance to external aggression, making the sinks more durable and less subject to damages caused by daily wear, thus improving their longevity.

Application of the Sol-Gel coating

Sol-Gel is a water-based ceramic coating free of fluoropolymers that is used in several industries thanks to its capacity to make surfaces withstand harsh conditions, while preserving their aesthetic appearance and guaranteeing high performances. Argos ST uses the Sol-Gel coating to devise solutions that make the treated material extremely resistant to UV rays and to any type of solvent or grease, particularly resistant to abrasion and more effective in terms of antibacterial protection and washability. Some of the main applications, besides the home solutions industry, include:

1. Medical and chemical-pharmaceutical industry: the antibacterial and easy-clean properties of the Sol-Gel coating make it ideal also for applications in the medical and chemical-pharmaceutical industry, where surfaces must withstand contact with chemical agents and sanitisers without jeopardising safety or performances.
2. Automotive industry: in the automotive field, the ceramic-based coating makes components highly resistant to atmospheric agents, so that they can last longer and be less susceptible to scratches and yellowing.
3. Food processing industry: the coating is also suitable for contact with foodstuffs, since it conforms to the required hygiene regulations, and protects surfaces without altering the safety of the final product. This makes it ideal for the food processing industry and for kitchen utensils.

In all these applications, the Sol-Gel coating adds a protective effect that goes beyond physical resistance to include protection against corrosion and ease of maintenance. These benefits are essential for surfaces subjected to intensive use, where durability and ease of cleaning are fundamental aspects for extending the product’s life and ensuring it performs optimally over time.

Customised solutions in terms of design and functionality

The customer highly appreciated Argos ST’s willingness to solve aesthetic and functional issues relating to its products. In particular, it acknowledged the value of Argos ST’s technical know-how, which was implemented from the project’s experimentation phase in the laboratory to its industrialisation.

The ability to adapt to the customer’s specific needs and offer customised solutions was one of the decisive factors in the project’s success.

The project showed how important it is to work with a highly qualified partner capable of meeting specific needs and proposing advanced and customised solutions. The Sol-Gel coating proposed by Argos ST is distinguished for its efficacy, durability and low environmental impact. In addition, it effectively solves problems relating to resistance and maintenance without altering the products’ visual appearance.

Thanks to its consolidated experience and ongoing commitment to research and development, Argos ST makes an ideal partner for customers seeking for innovative and tailor-made solutions in the home design industry and in other industrial applications.