Functional and smart coatings for corrosion protection: A review of recent advances

Coatings tailored to corrosion protection of metallic substrates are of the utmost relevance to ensure reliability and long-term performance of coated parts as well as the product value of the coated materials. Presently, there is a strong emphasis on the development of advanced functional and smart coatings for corrosion protection in different technological applications. On the one hand, there is a need for more advanced coatings for conventional applications and, on the other hand, there is a need to answer the requirements of several new Hi-Tech applications. Thus, this review highlights the most recent trends in the field of functional coatings for corrosion protection of metallic materials in a wide range of technical applications. Emphasis is given to self-healing coatings and smart coatings combining multiple functionalities for increased corrosion protection. Recent developments on the introduction of functionalities based on encapsulation of corrosion inhibitors, anti-fouling agents and superhydrophobic additives or modification of organic and hybrid matrices via chemical manipulation are reviewed. Special attention is dedicated to functional coatings for corrosion protection of bioresorbable metallic implants that have an important impact in biomedical applications.