An SBIR Award will support development of a covalent bonding agent for ceramic coatings deposited by the sol-gel technique. A bi-functional coupling agent will be used which be bond covalently to the metal or polymer substrate on the one hand and simultaneously participate in the oxide gelation process. This is expected to create a covalent bond structure across the interface which should greatly improve coating adherence. The study involves synthesis of the bonding agents, study of substrate reactions, and determination of interfacial adhesion nd coating wear resistance.
