Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Innovative Polymer Coatings and Films

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 8345

Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: polyurethane networks; polyurethane nanocomposites; waterborne polyurethane; hyperbranched polymers; polymer synthesis; polymer characterization

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: polyurethane copolymers; polyurethane networks; polyurethane nanocomposites; waterborne polyurethane; coatings; composites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coatings is preparing a Special Issue titled “Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Innovative Polymer Coatings and Films”.

Polymer coatings are thin layers of polymer that act as a physical barrier and provide superior adherence and protection to the applied substrate, while polymer films represent affordable thin sheets of polymeric material with good surface roughness. The structure–property relationship of polymer coatings and films is significantly influenced by the molecular structure and composition of the used reactants, the addition of micro- or nanofillers, the applied synthetic procedure, molecular weight, the morphology and crystallinity of the final product, and much more. Depending on their end use, polymer coatings and films must fulfill certain requirements, such as adequate mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, good chemical resistance, durability, adjustable surface morphology, cost-efficiency, excellent substrate suitability, etc. Polymer coatings and films have found application as paints, inks, protective and decorative coatings, in pharmaceuticals, etc.

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a forum for discussion and to publish the latest advances and innovations in the field of the synthesis of polymer coatings and films with superior and targeted properties. Therefore, the Editors are pleased to announce that this Special Issue is open for submissions. Researchers are cordially invited to participate and submit their latest original papers, reviews, or short communications on the topic of the “Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Innovative Polymer Coatings and Films”.

Dr. Jasna Džunuzović
Dr. Ivan S. Stefanović
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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

  • polymer films
  • polymer coatings
  • polymer-based thin films
  • polymer composites/nanocomposites
  • synthesis methods
  • characterization
  • multifunctional coatings
  • potential applications

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 7299 KB  
Article
Self-Repairing Polyurethane–Urea Coating for Wind Turbine Blades: Modeling and Analysis
by Yulin Sun, Leon Mishnaevsky, Jr., Katharina Koschek and Florian Sayer
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091059 - 10 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2326
Abstract
This study investigates a UDETA-modified polyurethane–urea (PUU) self-healing coating for wind turbine blades, focusing on its ability to autonomously repair surface erosion damage under realistic environmental conditions. A multiphysics finite element model was developed to couple temperature, moisture, and stress effects on crack [...] Read more.
This study investigates a UDETA-modified polyurethane–urea (PUU) self-healing coating for wind turbine blades, focusing on its ability to autonomously repair surface erosion damage under realistic environmental conditions. A multiphysics finite element model was developed to couple temperature, moisture, and stress effects on crack healing, and a Gaussian process regression (GPR) model was trained on 35 experimental data points to predict the mobile fraction and healing thresholds with high accuracy (R2 = 0.79, MAE = 0.059). The diffusion coefficient of water in the PUU matrix was determined as 11.03 × 10−7 mm2/s, and stress-driven moisture accumulation at crack tips was shown to accelerate crack healing. Erichsen cupping test simulations were conducted to reproduce experimental crack patterns, demonstrating brittle behavior in dehydrated coatings with a Young’s modulus of 50 MPa and critical principal strains of 0.48. An exponential healing function was incorporated into the computational model and validated against experiments, predicting significant crack healing within 24 h of humidity exposure. These findings provide quantitative design criteria for self-healing coatings, enabling the selection of UDETA content, thickness, and curing strategies to extend wind turbine blade service life while reducing maintenance costs. Full article
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14 pages, 3625 KB  
Article
Insight into the Morphology, Hydrophobicity and Swelling Behavior of TiO2-Reinforced Polyurethane
by Ivan S. Stefanović, Jasna V. Džunuzović, Enis S. Džunuzović, Danijela V. Randjelović, Vladimir B. Pavlović, Andrea Basagni and Carla Marega
Coatings 2025, 15(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15020231 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4530
Abstract
In this research, the structure, morphology, hydrophobicity and swelling behavior of a polyurethane (PU) network and its composites (PUCs) were examined. PUCs were synthesized by the incorporation of different percentages (0.5, 1 and 2 wt.%) of unmodified or surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles into [...] Read more.
In this research, the structure, morphology, hydrophobicity and swelling behavior of a polyurethane (PU) network and its composites (PUCs) were examined. PUCs were synthesized by the incorporation of different percentages (0.5, 1 and 2 wt.%) of unmodified or surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles into a PU network based on polycaprolactone, aliphatic hyperbranched polyester and isophorone diisocyanate. In order to improve interfacial interactions, the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles was chemically modified with lauryl gallate. The impact of the presence and content of unmodified or surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles on the cross-sectional and surface morphology, swelling behavior and hydrophobicity of the PU network was assessed by different experiments. The obtained findings revealed that the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles brought a more pronounced irregular cross-sectional and rougher surface morphology, better microphase separation, higher values of the equilibrium swelling degree in tetrahydrofuran and toluene, and altered water contact angles compared to the neat PU. Based on the collected results, the practical applicability of the prepared PUCs may be in the area of protective coatings. Full article
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Review

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39 pages, 1619 KB  
Review
Why Graphene Oxide and Nano-SiO2 Continue to Face Challenges in Architectural Coatings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Kseniia Burkovskaia, Michał Strankowski and Krzysztof Szafran
Coatings 2026, 16(6), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16060634 - 23 May 2026
Viewed by 251
Abstract
Graphene derivatives and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) have been widely studied as functional nanofillers for architectural coatings. They have the potential to improve mechanical performance, barrier properties, durability, and versatility. However, despite encouraging results in laboratory settings, their use in commercial coating [...] Read more.
Graphene derivatives and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) have been widely studied as functional nanofillers for architectural coatings. They have the potential to improve mechanical performance, barrier properties, durability, and versatility. However, despite encouraging results in laboratory settings, their use in commercial coating formulations is still limited. This is mainly due to challenges with dispersing nanoparticles, ensuring compatibility with polymer binders, maintaining long-term durability, and achieving formulation stability. In this work, we conducted a thorough review and meta-analysis of 20 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate the performance and limitations of graphene-based materials and nano-SiO2 in architectural and protective coatings. Our literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies that provided quantitative data on dispersion methods, surface functionalization strategies, nanofiller loading levels, and coating performance metrics. This review highlights key relationships between structure, properties, and processing. It points out ongoing challenges that prevent practical use and suggests future research directions to enhance formulation design, improve dispersion stability, and extend the long-term performance of graphene- and nano-SiO2-modified architectural and protective coatings. Full article
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