A process for functionalizing hard material includes reacting at least one anchor molecule with at least one hard material particle, where an anchor molecule has at least one silane bonding group and at least one polymerizable group. A functionalized hard material, in particular a-alumina, and surface coatings containing functionalized hard material, and a workpiece, in particular a wood material panel, an abrasive or a clutch disc, which is in each case provided with a surface coating containing functionalized hard material are described.