Coatings and Materials: Recent Trends in Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Approaches

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Thin Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 8

Special Issue Editor

Department of Mathematics, School of Sciences, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, China
Interests: mechanical engineering; computing in mathematics; natural science; engineering and medicine; thermodynamics; thermal engineering; computational learning and intelligent systems; environment and food technology; nanotechnology and nano-medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancements in coatings and materials research integrate experimental, numerical, and theoretical methodologies to enhance performance, durability, and functionality. Novel coating techniques such as plasma spraying, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and sol–gel processes are being experimentally refined to improve adhesion, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. Nanocomposite and smart coatings with self-healing or antimicrobial properties are also gaining attention. 

Numerical simulations, including finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), optimize coating processes by predicting stress distribution, thermal behavior, and deposition efficiency. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) further accelerate material discovery by analyzing vast datasets to predict optimal compositions. 

Theoretical approaches, such as density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), provide atomic-level insights into material interactions, aiding in the design of high-performance coatings. Multiscale modeling bridges gaps between microstructural properties and macroscopic performance. Emerging trends focus on sustainability, with bio-based and eco-friendly coatings, as well as energy-efficient fabrication methods. The integration of these methodologies fosters innovation in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and renewable energy applications, driving the development of next-generation coatings and materials. Collaborative interdisciplinary research remains key to addressing complex industrial challenges. 

By synergizing experimentation, simulation, and theory, researchers can address global challenges in durability, efficiency, and environmental impact, paving the way for next-generation coatings and materials. To address this, we welcome new methods, results, and frameworks to this Special Issue, with the aim of the mutual advancement of the field as a whole. The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  1. Advanced experimental techniques;
  2. Computational and AI-driven approaches;
  3. Theoretical insights and predictive models;
  4. Sustainability and eco-friendly solutions;
  5. ODEs and PDEs;
  6. Mathematical physics;
  7. Non-linear dynamics;
  8. Computational fluid dynamics;
  9. Thermal systems using hybrid nanofluids;
  10. Thermal convection and their applications in engineering;
  11. Applications in physics and related fields.

Dr. Liaqat Ali
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced coatings
  • nanocomposite materials
  • computational modeling
  • finite element analysis (FEA)
  • molecular dynamics (MD)
  • self-healing coatings
  • plasma spray deposition
  • machine learning in materials science
  • sustainable coatings
  • multiscale simulation
  • mathematical physics
  • non-linear dynamics
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • magneto hydrodynamics
  • nanofluids

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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