Production of polymer from metal alkoxide and reaction mixture of carboxylic acid and hydroxy compound

A process for the production of polymeric substances from metal alkoxides is provided comprising the steps of: (a) reacting at least a monofunctional carboxylic acid and at least a monofunctional hydroxylated organic compound in the presence of a suitable esterification catalyst to yield water in situ, and thereafter; (b) adding to the reaction mixture in (a) above at least a divalent metal alkoxide in an amount sufficient to form the desired polymeric network of at least partially hydrolyzed metal alkoxide. Also provided is a process for coating a substrate comprising applying the above disclosed polymeric substance to a substrate preferably by a dipping, spraying, or spinning technique. Articles coated with the polymeric substance provided by the process of the present invention are also disclosed.