Adaptive and Responsive Organic-Based Coatings: Advances in Self-Healing, Anticorrosion, and Antifouling Technologies

Corrosion and biofouling present significant challenges across various sectors, particularly in marine, offshore, biomedical, and industrial applications. These phenomena not only degrade the performance and lifespan of materials but also compromise the safety of infrastructure in harsh environments. Traditional coating methods, while widely used, are now being supplemented and even replaced by advanced materials and treatments that promise greater adaptability, intelligence, and environmental friendliness. Among the diverse protective strategies, organic coating materials—ranging from polymer-based films to hybrid organic–inorganic systems—have emerged as some of the most versatile and promising solutions. With their tunable chemistry, processability, and ability to incorporate functional additives, organic coatings are at the forefront of smart anticorrosion and antifouling research.

This Research Topic aims to explore the forefront of smart anticorrosion and antifouling organic-based coating technologies. Specifically, it seeks to investigate coatings that possess the ability to sense and respond to environmental stimuli, thereby enhancing their protective capabilities. Furthermore, the focus extends to developing materials that combine multiple protective functions to offer streamlined solutions to corrosion and fouling challenges. The goal is to expand the understanding of these innovative materials, refine their application, and explore their potential across diverse fields.

To gather further insights into the application and development of these technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Design and synthesis of novel anti-corrosion functional materials and smart responsive coatings.

o Mechanisms of self-healing, responsive, and adaptive smart coatings under various environmental stimuli.

o Interfacial chemistry and mechanisms of corrosion and fouling resistance.

o Assessment of interfacial adhesion and longevity of protective coatings.

o Real-world applications and efficacy of smart and multifunctional coatings in industries like marine engineering, aerospace, and construction.