Tribological, Nano-Structured, Boron-Based, Superconducting, Asphalt, and Bio-Inspired Coatings for Multifunctional Surface Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

Protective coatings and surface engineering play a fundamental role in enhancing the functional performance, durability, and sustainability of advanced engineering systems. Recent developments in materials physics, nanoscience, surface biology, and transportation engineering have enabled the design of multifunctional coating systems with tailored mechanical, chemical, electrical, and biological properties. In this context, nano-engineered, boron-based, and superconducting coatings have emerged as key technologies for addressing challenges related to wear, corrosion, adhesion, aging, and long-term service performance.

From a materials physics and nanotechnology perspective, advanced coatings based on nanomaterials, mineral additives, and boron-containing compounds offer exceptional hardness, thermal stability, and resistance to harsh environments. Processing routes such as powder technology, ball milling, and powder metallurgy enable precise control over coating microstructure and interfacial properties. Superconducting thin-film coatings further introduce functional surface behavior relevant to applied physics, energy systems, and advanced electronic applications.

Tribology and mechanical performance remain central themes in coating science. Coatings designed to improve wear resistance, reduce friction, and mitigate corrosion are critical for extending component lifetime under demanding operational conditions. Studies focusing on mechanical properties, adhesion mechanisms, ceramic and composite coatings, colloidal behavior, and surface interactions are therefore highly relevant to this Special Issue.

In transportation engineering, advanced surface engineering solutions for asphalt pavements and concrete infrastructures are of growing importance. Nano-modified asphalt coatings, mineral fillers, bitumen modifiers, and recycled waste-based additives contribute to improved resistance against aging, moisture damage, rutting, cracking, and other distress mechanisms. The integration of nanomaterials and sustainable waste-derived components supports circular economy strategies while enhancing pavement durability and adhesion performance.

Bio-inspired and biological coatings represent an emerging and complementary research direction. Surface biology approaches—including hydroxyapatite-based antibacterial coatings for bone repair and coatings incorporating natural antioxidant or antimicrobial agents—enable the development of functional surfaces with enhanced biocompatibility and environmental compatibility. These strategies extend coating applications toward biomedical, environmental, and hybrid engineering systems.

Original research articles and review papers are invited on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

• Nano coatings and nano-structured surface engineering techniques;
• Boron-based coatings and multifunctional boron-containing systems;
• Superconducting thin-film coatings;
• Compound, alloy, and composite coating technologies;
• Wear, corrosion, and tribological behavior of advanced coatings;
• Asphalt coatings and surface engineering for transportation applications;
• Biological and bio-inspired coating systems;
• Multidisciplinary research, innovative coating products, and sustainability-oriented solutions.

We look forward to receiving your contributions!

Dr. Sezai Kütük
Prof. Dr. Aykut Canakci
Prof. Dr. Erol İskender
Prof. Dr. Sabriye Çanakçi
Guest Editors

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• nanoparticles
• boron-based materials
• superconductor
• tribology
• asphalt
• bio-inspired coatings