Functional Polymer Coatings and Films: Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Functional coatings and films encompass both adherent and standalone layers that are produced to offer an additive feature that upgrades, magnifies, or diversifies the performance of the material. These upgrades can include a range of incorporated functions and may support applications on any number of underlying materials.  Beyond passive and decorative layers, this Special Issue focuses on active materials such as those that sense changes in the environment and provide an appropriate response to stimuli or those that incorporate the control of both underlying molecular and nanostructures to obtain unique functions.  Coatings and films that offer multifunctional capabilities are also of interest, such as those that provide specific visual characteristics while also offering a self-cleaning action.  With increasing advances in inexpensive and safe deposition approaches, “smart”, “functional” and “dynamic” coatings are of greater utility and interest. Approaches to the preparation of these materials may include (a) coating additives that modify properties, (b) specialized ingredients that produce specific desirable properties in conventional coatings, and (c) the encapsulation of components that are released in response to specific conditions.  Depositions may be accomplished layer-by-layer, through dip or spin coating, by spray deposition, or through the use of non-traditional approaches. Several examples of functional coatings/films are listed below:

• Stimuli-responsive;
• Conductive;
• Corrosion-inhibiting;
• Antimicrobial;
• Antifouling;
• Hygienic systems;
• Self-healing;
• Self-cleaning;
• Sensors;
• Photocatalytic;
• Super-hydrophobic;
• Bio-decontamination ;
• Bio-detection;
• Colour-shifting;
• Nano-engineered coatings;
• Protective coatings;
• Catalytic coatings;
• Porous coatings.

The current trend in coatings technology is to control the coating composition on a molecular level and the morphology at the nanometer scale, producing innovative functional coatings/films with broad applications for military and industrial uses.

Dr. Peter Zarras
Dr. Brandy J. Johnson
Guest Editors

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• functional polymers
• functional coatings/films
• stimuli-responsive