Abstract: A sol-gel coating composition comprising a hydrolysed organosilane, an organometallic precursor and a corrosion inhibitor, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is a chelator for the organometallic precursor. The corrosion inhibitor and the organometallic precursor may form a nanoparticulate complex. The coating composition may comprise one or more additive selected from: an antimicrobial additive, a hardener, a water repelling additive, a dye, a scratch resistant additive and a flexibility enhancing additive. A process for preparing a sol gel coating composition is also described, the process comprising the steps of: hydrolysing an organosilane in the presence of a catalyst; chelating an organometallic precursor; mixing the hydrolysed silane and the chelated organometallic precursor; and hydrolysing the organosilane-organometallic precursor mixture.

Abstract: Modified polymers are prepared by providing a nanotube or nanoparticle suspension, adding a preformed polymer, swelling the preformed polymer in the suspension, and isolating the modified polymer from the suspension. The polymer may be a swellable polymer in the form of polymeric yarns, fibres, fabrics, ribbons or films. The swelling may be carried out using ultrasonic treatment.