The present disclosure provides a barrier-coating structure that includes a polymer-matrix composite having a first surface and a second surface. The barrier-coating structure includes a flexible layer having a first surface and a second surface and a sol-gel layer having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the flexible layer contacts the second surface of the flexible layer. The barrier-coating structure includes a barrier layer having a first surface and a second surface. The sol-gel and/or the barrier layer may comprise one or more reactive substituents. The first surface of the barrier layer may be a laser-ablated surface.