Special Issues

Coatings publishes Special Issues to create collections of papers on specific topics, with the aim of building a community of authors and readers to discuss the latest research and develop new ideas and research directions. Special Issues are led by Guest Editors, who are experts on the topic and all Special Issue submissions follow MDPI's standard editorial process. The journal’s Editor-in-Chief and/or designated Editorial Board Member will oversee Guest Editor appointments and Special Issue proposals, checking their content for relevance and ensuring the suitability of the material for the journal. The papers published in a Special Issue will be collected and displayed on a dedicated page of the journal’s website. Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies and Guest Editor responsibilities can be found here. For any inquiries related to a Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office.

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Polymeric Edible Coatings: Synthesis, Properties, and Cross-Industry Applications
edited by and Ayesha Sani
submission deadline 28 May 2026 | Viewed by 341 | Submission Open
Keywords: biodegradable polymer coatings; antimicrobial nanocoatings; edible coatings; polymeric hybrid coatings; wearable electronics coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Advanced Surface Coatings for Biomedical and Industrial Applications
edited by , , and Guillermo Cesar Mondragón Rodríguez
submission deadline 30 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1141 | Submission Open
Keywords: bio-coatings; in vitro; multifunctional coatings; functionalization; biomaterials
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)
Coatings and Thin Films for Food Packaging and Preservation
edited by and
submission deadline 30 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1100 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings/films; food preservation; food packaging; antibacterial and antioxidant; green packaging
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coatings for Food Technology and System)
Surface and Interface Characteristics of Pavements: New Perspectives and Applications
edited by , Wanyan Ren, Shihao Dong and Sen Han
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 9 articles | Viewed by 17603 | Submission Open
Keywords: pavement surface functionality; asphalt mixture adhesion; interface characteristics; semi-flexible pavements; innovative pavement materials; pavement durability and sustainability; surface texture analysis; environmental impact of pavement coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science)
Advanced Functional Nanostructured Films and Coatings for Energy Applications, 2nd Edition submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 10 articles | Viewed by 14318 | Submission Open
Keywords: advanced energy materials; functional materials; nanocomposites; nanostructured materials; smart materials; polymeric coatings; hybrid coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Innovative Thin Films and Coatings for Solar Cells submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 3422 | Submission Open
Keywords: novel energy materials; vacuum coatings; non-vacuum coatings; thin film solar cells; perovskite solar cells; organic solar cell; hybrid solar cells; dye-sensitized solar cells
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Tribological and Corrosion Properties of the Surfaces
edited by Huimin Qi, Song Li and Chunjian Duan
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1760 | Submission Open
Keywords: synthesis of novel polymer thin films; correlations and predictions of rheological and mechanical properties of polymer thin films; novel polymer thin films; novel materials with functional properties; e.g.; conductive; optical; tribological; barrier; protective; and antifouling coatings; among others; relationships between deposition process parameters and polymer thin film microstructures; preparation of sustainable polymer thin films; new trends in polymer thin films and coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tribology)
Multifunctional Coatings in Alloys/Steels/Metals/Composites: Numerical Simulation, Techniques, Microstructures, and Mechanical Properties
edited by and Jarosław Pia̧tkowski
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1548 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional coatings; alloys; steels; metals; composites; abrasion resistance; microstructure; heat treatment; chemical treatment; surface layer modification; crystallization; ATD thermal analysis; DSC scanning calorimetry
Molecular Research Progress on Corrosion Mechanisms and Advanced Coatings for the Protection of Metals and Alloys
edited by , Angela Blažanović and Joanna Nackiewicz
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 786 | Submission Open
Keywords: corrosion mechanism; corrosion resistance; corrosion in liquid metals; coatings; hot dip galvanizing; thermal spraying; electrogalvanizing; organic coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Synthesis, Characterization, Functional Properties, and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Systems
edited by Emilia Annese and Pedro Schio
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 723 | Submission Open
Keywords: nanostructured coatings; nanoparticles; organic and inorganic coatings and thin films; cutting edge techniques to characterize nanostructures; catalysis; spintronics; optics; quantum materials
Recent Advances in Thermoelectric Materials and Coatings: Structures, Properties and Emerging Applications
edited by Zhi Li
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 435 | Submission Open
Keywords: thermoelectric materials; protective coatings; advanced coating materials; coating technologies; thermal durability; thermal stability; device design
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Protective Coatings for Heritage Conservation: Development and Application submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 328 | Submission Open
Keywords: cultural heritage; coatings; material preservation; composites; coating technology; deterioration; degradation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Resin-Related Coatings and Thin Films: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
edited by Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías and
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 305 | Submission Open
Keywords: resin; coatings; synthesis; application; performance
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Coating Electrode Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
edited by and
submission deadline 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 281 | Submission Open
Keywords: coating electrode materials; energy conversion and storage; secondary battery; photo- and electrocatalysis; composite electrode design
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Laser Processing and Functional Applications of Coated Tools
edited by , Hua-Tay Lin and
submission deadline 5 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 431 | Submission Open
Keywords: laser surface texturing; tribological behavior; cutting performance; gradient coatings; wettability control of coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Research and Development of Thin Films and Nanostructures for Biological Applications
edited by Patrycja Rawicka, Robert Gawecki and
submission deadline 5 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 291 | Submission Open
Keywords: biocompatible coatings; antimicrobial surfaces; thin films in biomedical applications; nanocarriers for drug delivery; functional nanostructures
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Fabrication and Tribological Properties of Laser Cladding Coatings
edited by Wenqing Shi
submission deadline 5 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 267 | Submission Open
Keywords: laser cladding; wear-resistant coatings; tribological performance; microstructure– property relationships; surface engineering applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section High-Energy Beam Surface Engineering and Coatings)
Coatings as Key Materials in Catalytic Applications
edited by
submission deadline 10 Jun 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 14892 | Submission Open
Keywords: photo-catalytic; electro-catalytic; tribo-catalytic; degradation of organic pollutants; splitting of water; reduction of CO2; coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Welding Techniques in Surface Engineering
edited by
submission deadline 10 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 3923 | Submission Open
Keywords: manufacturing technologies; surface layers; properties and structure; wear; quality
Functional Surface and Coatings for Heritage and Cultural Protection
edited by Almudena Ortiz, and
submission deadline 10 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2003 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional surfaces; advanced coatings; cultural heritage protection; deterioration mechanics; diagnostic techniques
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Recent Advances in Thin-Film Transistors: From Design to Application
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Jun 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1495 | Submission Open
Keywords: thin-film transistors; application-tailored device design; thin-film coatings; advanced display; beyond-display applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Wear-Resistance and Corrosion-Resistance Coatings, 2nd Edition
edited by
submission deadline 10 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 937 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface treatment; the forming mechanism; wear resistance; tribological property; hardness; corrosion resistance; environmental protection coating
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Research Progress in Superhydrophobic Surfaces: From Design to Application
edited by
submission deadline 12 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 280 | Submission Open
Keywords: superhydrophobic surfaces; bioinspired design; functional coatings; surface fabrication techniques; wettability and surface engineering
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Effect of Heat Treatment on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials/Coatings
edited by Xiaoyong Zhang, and Ning Dang
submission deadline 15 Jun 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 5488 | Submission Open
Keywords: high-performance metallic materials; high-performance metallic coatings; microstructure evolution mechanisms; heat treatment; mechanical properties
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Electrochemistry and Corrosion Science for Coatings submission deadline 15 Jun 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 3888 | Submission Open
Keywords: anticorrosion and antiwear coatings; electrochemical process; interfacial mechanism of protection; sustainability in coatings; artificial intelligence in coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Inorganic Spherical, Fibrous, and Platelet Fillers in Coatings: Advances in Fabrication, Applications, and Innovations
edited by
submission deadline 15 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2121 | Submission Open
Keywords: inorganic fillers; corrosion protection; barrier properties; mechanical performance; thermal and electrical functionalities
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Functional Coatings for Thermal Applications: Thermoelectrics and Thermal Management
edited by and
submission deadline 15 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 341 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional coatings; thermoelectric coatings; thermal management; heat transfer
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Advanced Alloy Degradation and Implants, 2nd Edition
edited by and Zhe Fang
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 7 articles | Viewed by 17141 | Submission Open
Keywords: biomaterials; alloys; coatings; degradation; surface; interface; biocompatibility
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)
Advances in Metal Additive Manufacturing Technique: Processes and Novel Materials submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 12273 | Submission Open
Keywords: additive manufacturing; material characterization; advanced material; alloys; post-processing; heat treatments; laser cladding; laser metal deposition; powder bed fusion (PBF); novel materials; corrosion monitoring; mechanical properties
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Advances in Alloy Surface Mechanics: The Effects of Coating Technologies on Performance
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 11569 | Submission Open
Keywords: alloy surface mechanics; coating technologies; mechanical performance; wear resistance; corrosion protection
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Manufacturing and Surface Engineering, 5th Edition
edited by
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 5490 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface engineering; surface treatment; oxidation resistance; friction and wear; corrosion resistance; coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Advanced Corrosion- and Wear-Resistant Coatings
edited by and Mengqi Cong
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 6 articles | Viewed by 5218 | Submission Open
Keywords: coating; corrosion; wear; friction; surface; interface; engineering
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Advanced Films and Coatings for Energy Storage Materials and Power Insulation Systems
edited by
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 2513 | Submission Open
Keywords: metal particles; kinematic properties; coatings; collision recovery coefficient; power cable insulation; polymer films; dielectric properties; interface compatibility; electrical treeing external insulation; discharge mechanism; failure and degradation processes; optimization strategies; complex environments; advanced insulation materials
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Surface Engineering of Alloys and Metals: Material Properties and Coating Performance submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1379 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface modification techniques; functional coatings; electrochemical performance; nano-engineered coatings; coating-substrate interactions; environmentally friendly coatings; long-term performance stability
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Coatings Materials for Photovoltaic submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1202 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings materials; chalcogenides; novel buffer layers; hole transport layer; solar cells
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Anti-Corrosion Coatings: From Materials to Applications
edited by
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 491 | Submission Open
Keywords: multifunctional nanolayers/coatings; anticorrosion coatings; inhibitors with combined activity; inhibition of corrosion-relevant microorganisms; biofilm; and biofouling formation; environmentally acceptable smart inhibitors applied in nanolayers and coatings; new trends in multifunctional coatings; special surface analyses for coatings characterization
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Advanced Coatings for Enhancing Properties and Applications of Organic/Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 373 | Submission Open
Keywords: perovskite solar cells; deposition process; coatings; organic materials; inorganic materials
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Engineering in Battery Technologies—Advanced Surface Modification for High-Performance Energy Storage
edited by and Qingfeng Zhang
submission deadline 20 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 229 | Submission Open
Keywords: energy storage; electrode materials; electrolyte; battery management; battery thermal management; battery state estimation; surface engineering; coating electrode materials; electrolyte and interfaces
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Tribological Behavior and Corrosion Resistance Characterization of Advanced Materials and Coatings
edited by , Yuzhen Liu and
submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 1949 | Submission Open
Keywords: tribological properties; corrosion resistance; advanced coatings; surface modification; wear mechanisms
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
2D Material-Based Coatings: Properties and Applications
edited by , and Yüksel Akınay
submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 1814 | Submission Open
Keywords: 2D materials; heterostructures; composite coatings; optoelectronics; energy harvesting
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
The Research of Change: Catalysts for a Sustainable Future submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1639 | Submission Open
Keywords: sustainable coatings; eco-friendly coatings; green materials; surface engineering; functional coatings; smart coatings; nanostructured coatings; corrosion resistance; photocatalytic coatings; energy-efficient coatings; circular economy; life cycle assessment; environmental remediation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Modern Polymer Coating Materials Containing Graphene Derivatives submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1598 | Submission Open
Keywords: graphene; coatings; self-healing; nanocomposites; thermal analysis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Advanced Hydrophobic Surfaces and Anti-Corrosion Coatings: Design, Fabrication, and Performance
edited by Fatang Liu
submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1482 | Submission Open
Keywords: hydrophobic coating; hydrophobic surface; protective coating; interfacial corrosion
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Recent Advances in Photocatalysts: From Materials to Applications
edited by Kaifu Zhang and
submission deadline 25 Jun 2026 | Viewed by 208 | Submission Open
Keywords: photocatalytic materials; surface/interface engineering; mechanism characterization; energy conversion; environmental purification
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Cold-Spray Coatings: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Applications
edited by , Yingchun Xie and Fanchao Meng
submission deadline 26 Jun 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1985 | Submission Open
Keywords: cold-spraying coating; high-strain-rate deformation; surface strengthening/functionalization; additive manufacturing; repair and remanufacturing
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Cutting Performance of Coated Tools
edited by and Xin Tong
submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 18 articles | Viewed by 17806 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings for cutting tools; textured cutting tools; tool wear prediction; tribological behavior; cutting performance of cutting tool
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Advanced Plasma Surface Treatments and Their Applications in Coating Technologies submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 6 articles | Viewed by 11149 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; surfaces; alloys; stainless steel; biocompatibility; diffusion; nitriding; carburizing; mass transport; solid-state reactions; nitrides; lattice stresses; trapping– detrapping; mathematical modeling; computer simulations
(This special issue belongs to the Section High-Energy Beam Surface Engineering and Coatings)
Advances in Food Technology: Bioactive Films and Coatings for Food Packaging submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 6 articles | Viewed by 10321 | Submission Open
Keywords: edible films and coatings; bioactive components; antimicrobials; antioxidants; biobased materials; active packaging; food packaging; shelf-life
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coatings for Food Technology and System)
Plasma Coating and Interface Technology: New Horizons in Surface Science
edited by Qiang Chen and Haibao Zhang
submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 5082 | Submission Open
Keywords: plasma; vacuum; deposition technique; coating; thin films; surface and interface; application
(This special issue belongs to the Section High-Energy Beam Surface Engineering and Coatings)
Emerging Trends in Plasma Coating and Interface Technologies submission deadline 30 Jun 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 4798 | Submission Open
Keywords: plasma processing; thin films; green coatings; plasma polymerization; functional materials and interfaces; nano and biomaterials; wetting control and superhydrophobicity; membranes and catalysts; hybrid technologies
(This special issue belongs to the Section High-Energy Beam Surface Engineering and Coatings)
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