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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Engineered Coatings for a Sustainable Future submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 2667 | Submission Open
Keywords: recyclable; non-toxic; and biodegradable coatings; low VOC (volatile organic compounds) coatings; renewable materials and coatings; energy-efficient and resource-efficient coatings; eco-friendly coatings with a reduced environmental impact; advanced materials and coatings; high-performance coatings; durable coatings; functional coatings; corrosion resistant coatings; thermal barrier coatings; self-cleaning and self-healing coatings; antimicrobial coatings; wear resistance coatings; sustainable by design coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Advanced 2D Materials and Wide-Band-Gap Compound Semiconductors: Epitaxial Growth, Characterization and Applications
edited by and Wei-Lin Wang
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1934 | Submission Open
Keywords: epitaxy; van der waals; TMDs; nitride; CVD
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Advancements in Surface Engineering, Coatings and Tribology submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1083 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; surface engineering; tribology; wear resistance; surface modification
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tribology)
Liquid–Solid Interfaces in Environmental Research
edited by
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 358 | Submission Open
Keywords: liquid– solid interfaces; thin-film formation; surface chemistry; adsorption kinetics; molecular dynamics at surfaces; surface modification; nanostructures; surface energy; interfacial tension; surface characterization
(This special issue belongs to the Section Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science)
Surface Engineering of Bone Implants submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 253 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface; bone implant; bioactivity; biocompatibility; biomaterials; hard tissue repair; skeleton; biomedical
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)
Coatings with Various Functionalities in Marine Environments
edited by and Yanling Yang
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 89 | Submission Open
Keywords: anti-corrosion coatings; anti-fouling coatings; self-healing coatings; nanocomposite coatings; super-hydrophobic coatings; multi-functional coatings; electrochromic coatings; surface interface characterization; service/failure evaluation of coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Carbon-Based Thin Films for Enhanced Surface Properties submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 74 | Submission Open
Keywords: carbon-based thin films; two-dimensional nanostructured films; multifunctional coatings; advanced coatings; the synthesis and characterization of thin films
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Advances in Surface and Coatings Technologies
edited by , Ana Violeta Girão and
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 68 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface engineering; biosensors; functional coatings; remediation; extreme environments; coating technologies; reliability coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Plasma Coatings, Surfaces & Interfaces)
Multifunctional Composite Coatings: Design and Performance
edited by , and Guiqiang Liang
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 68 | Submission Open
Keywords: composite; multifunctionality; self-healing materials; organic– inorganic hybrids; smart coatings; sustainable materials; advanced manufacturing; coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Advances in Ceramic Coatings: Fabrication, Properties and Applications in Industry, Energy and Biomedicine submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 59 | Submission Open
Keywords: ceramic coatings; thin films; high-temperature applications; wear resistance; thermal barrier coatings; surface engineering; functional materials; manufacturing techniques; corrosion resistance; biomedical coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Ceramic Coatings and Engineering Technology)
Corrosion Resistance of Innovative Composite Coatings Based on Nanoparticles submission deadline 10 Feb 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 6158 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; nanoparticles; graphene; composite coating; antifouling; antimicrobial; nanotechnology; corrosion
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Recent Advances in Surface Functionalisation, 2nd Edition submission deadline 10 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1571 | Submission Open
Keywords: texturing; surface modification; wetting behavior; surface finish; surface characterization; wear resistance treatment; corrosion resistance surface treatment; tribological applications; coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Laser Welding and Cladding for Enhanced Mechanical Performance
edited by Egidijus Vanagas
submission deadline 10 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 75 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; coating engineering; laser-assisted coatings; laser welding; laser cladding; laser peening; CW laser; nanosecond laser; picosecond laser; femtosecond laser; metal– metal welding/cladding; glass– metal welding/cladding; plastic– metal welding/cladding; glass– glass welding/cladding
(This special issue belongs to the Section Laser Coatings)
Coatings Design and Characterization Using AI and Machine Learning Methods
edited by Yuyun Yang
submission deadline 10 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 59 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings design; material characterization; artificial intelligence (AI); machine learning (ML); data-driven design
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Research Progress and Application of Super-hydrophobic Anti-icing Surface
edited by Qiang He and
submission deadline 15 Feb 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 9252 | Submission Open
Keywords: icing; anti-deicing; superhydrophobic surface; aviation safety; energy conservation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Liquid–Fluid Coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces)
Advanced Materials for Safe and Smart Food Packaging
edited by Deniz Turan
submission deadline 15 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 716 | Submission Open
Keywords: sustainable and biodegradable smart materials; active and responsive coatings; data-driven material design for packaging; nanomaterials for food safety and sensing; real-time intelligent packaging applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coatings for Food Technology and System)
Anti-Icing Coatings for Aviation and Renewable Energy
edited by
submission deadline 15 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 87 | Submission Open
Keywords: anti-icing coatings; icephobic surfaces; surface engineering; renewable energy; aviation safety
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Micro- and Nano- Mechanical Testing of Coatings and Surfaces
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 27807 | Submission Open
Keywords: in situ techniques; small-scale mechanical testing; coatings and thin films; environmental testings; failure mechanism
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Effective Coating Barriers for Protection of Reinforced Concrete, 2nd Edition
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 6 articles | Viewed by 8663 | Submission Open
Keywords: concrete; epoxy coatings; protective coating; innovative coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Investigation on Structure and Corrosion Resistance of Steels/Alloys, 2nd Edition
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 4773 | Submission Open
Keywords: microstructure; corrosion properties; corrosion resistance; alloys and steels
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Wear and Tribology Properties of Materials, Films and Coatings
edited by , Jeng Haur Horng and
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 712 | Submission Open
Keywords: coating; engineering materials; friction; wear; lubrication; simulation; contact mechanism
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Deposition-Based Coating Solutions for Enhanced Surface Properties
edited by , and Dandan Ma
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 396 | Submission Open
Keywords: deposition technology; surface strengthening; wear resistance; corrosion resistance; hard coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Characterization and Applications of Bioactive Coatings
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 75 | Submission Open
Keywords: bioactive coatings; surface engineering; stimuli-responsive systems; biomedical applications; clinical translation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Bioactive Coatings and Biointerfaces)
Microstructure, Surface Topography and Tribological Properties of Coatings
edited by
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 45 | Submission Open
Keywords: microstructure; topography; surface modification; tribology; tribological compatibility
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Powder Metallurgy of Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing-Based Coating Applications
edited by and Ahmed Degnah
submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 30 | Submission Open
Keywords: powder metallurgy; additive manufacturing; advanced coatings; process– structure– property relationship; CALPHAD modeling; density functional theory; materials simulation; performance evaluation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Advances in Polymer Composites, Coatings and Adhesive Materials submission deadline 25 Feb 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 3270 | Submission Open
Keywords: polymer composites; coatings; adhesive materials; oligomers; monomers
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Accelerated Development of Nanomaterials, Coatings, and Thin Films for Optical and Electronic Applications
edited by Žiga Gosar
submission deadline 25 Feb 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2989 | Submission Open
Keywords: deposition techniques; optical characterization; electronic device fabrication; nanostructured materials; surface functionalization; thin film growth mechanisms; semiconductor nanocrystals; optoelectronic devices
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Advances in Asphalt and Concrete Coatings
edited by , Mayzan Maher Isied, Chenguang Shi and
submission deadline 25 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 683 | Submission Open
Keywords: asphalt modification; concrete coatings; reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP); sustainable pavements; recycling agents; warm-mix asphalt; emulsified asphalt; pavement performance evaluation; continuum damage mechanics; fracture mechanics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Coatings About Materials and Techniques for Electromagnetic Shielding
edited by Yanfei Pan, Jintian Huang, and Yu Wang
submission deadline 25 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 344 | Submission Open
Keywords: electromagnetic interference shielding; advanced coating technology; structural design; coating durability; multifunctional electromagnetic shielding coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Surface Engineering for Advanced Applications in Electronics and Energy
edited by Pragathi Darapaneni
submission deadline 25 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 80 | Submission Open
Keywords: surface engineering; thin films; atomic layer deposition; energy storage devices; interfacial modification
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
Synthesis and Application of Functional Polymer Coatings
edited by , Jiasheng Dai and Tianwei Liu
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 9 articles | Viewed by 6907 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional polymers; synthesis methods; transportation infrastructure; characterization; regulation of properties
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Electrodeposited Coatings for Functional Materials: From Fundamentals to Applications
edited by Mila N. Krstajić Pajić, Vladimir D. Jović and Nevenka R. Elezović
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2557 | Submission Open
Keywords: electrodeposition of nanostructures; electrodeposition mechanisms; coatings with magnetic properties; electrocatalytic coatings; coatings for hydrogen production; electrochemic coatings; tuning of coating properties with electrodeposition parameters; corrosion protection coatings; self-healing coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Recent Developments in Thin Films for Technological Applications submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 753 | Submission Open
Keywords: transition metal oxides; transition metal dicalcogenides; thin-film; growths and characterization
(This special issue belongs to the Section Thin Films)
Advanced Polymer Coatings: Materials, Methods, and Applications
edited by
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 557 | Submission Open
Keywords: polymer nanocomposite coatings; light protective coating; multifunctional application; advanced preparation; nanohybrids
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Recent Advances in Self-Cleaning Coatings for Anti-Icing Applications submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 227 | Submission Open
Keywords: self-cleaning coatings; ice adhesion; anti-icing; energy; polymer composite; bioinspired; micro-nano texture; nanotechnology; characterization; modeling and simulation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Liquid–Fluid Coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces)
Porous Materials in Coating Technologies: Design, Fabrication, and Applications
edited by , and Fei Yang
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 113 | Submission Open
Keywords: porous coating; advanced manufacturing; optimal design; coating process; parameter optimization; characterization techniques; finite element simulation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Surface Protection for Metal Materials
edited by and Lina Si
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 90 | Submission Open
Keywords: metal coatings; surface modification; corrosion/wear mechanisms; anti-corrosion/wear techniques; anti-fouling strategies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Advanced Surface Engineering of Alloys: Coatings and Thin Films
edited by Tao He and
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 60 | Submission Open
Keywords: alloy surface engineering; coatings and thin films; surface modification techniques; corrosion resistance; wear resistance; oxidation resistance; deposition techniques; interfacial bonding strength; biocompatibility
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Using Optimization Techniques and Artificial Intelligence in Improving Quality of Coatings
edited by Zhenzhe Li, , Ming Ren and
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 60 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; fatigue analysis; fracture mechanics; optimization and artificial intelligence
New Trends in Films and Surfaces for Wastewater Treatment
edited by , and Diego Martínez Carrillo
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 53 | Submission Open
Keywords: film; surfaces; interfaces; water treatment; adsorption; organic pollutants; inorganic pollutants; biological pollutants; coatings; electrocoagulation; nanocomposites
Additive Manufacturing: Customizing Surface Properties for Enhanced Performance
edited by and
submission deadline 1 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 46 | Submission Open
Keywords: additive manufacturing; surface properties; enhanced performance; coatings; cutting
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Recent Developments in the Surface Modification of Lignocellulosic Materials
edited by
submission deadline 2 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 83 | Submission Open
Keywords: lignocellulosic material; surface modification; wood; cellulose; coating
(This special issue belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)
Microstructure, Fatigue and Wear Properties of Steels, 2nd Edition
edited by
submission deadline 10 Mar 2026 | 9 articles | Viewed by 11791 | Submission Open
Keywords: microstructure; bainitic; martensite; multi-phase; fatigue; wear; deformation; strain; uniaxial tensile
(This special issue belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
Films and Coatings with Biomedical Applications submission deadline 10 Mar 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 2063 | Submission Open
Keywords: coating; film; surface treatment; biomaterial; medical device
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)
Development and Application of Photocatalytic Coatings and Composites submission deadline 10 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 90 | Submission Open
Keywords: coatings; photocatalysis; air and water treatment; composite materials; pollutant removal
Electrodeposition, Sustainability, Characterization and Application of Metals and Alloys Coatings submission deadline 10 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 29 | Submission Open
Keywords: metal coatings; alloy coatings; electroplating; film characterization; thin film
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
Multi-Functional Liquid-Repellent Coatings: Innovative Approaches for Protecting Surfaces
edited by Defeng Yan, Jiyu Liu and Weihao Pan
submission deadline 15 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 102 | Submission Open
Keywords: coating; liquid-repellent; preparation technologies; performance characterization; coating durability
(This special issue belongs to the Section Liquid–Fluid Coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces)
Plasma and Thermal Spray Coatings: Challenges, Developments and Future Perspectives
edited by and Angéline Poulon-Quintin
submission deadline 15 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 39 | Submission Open
Keywords: plasma-based PVD deposition processes; thermal-spray-based deposition processes; gigh-performance coatings; environmentally friendly coating processes; surface engineering
(This special issue belongs to the Section Plasma Coatings, Surfaces & Interfaces)
Exploring Wear and Friction Mechanisms in Tribological Coatings and Surface Textures
edited by , , Guijie Wang and Guosong Zhang
submission deadline 15 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 34 | Submission Open
Keywords: tribological coatings; surface textures; wear mechanisms; multiphysics coupling; smart surfaces
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tribology)
High-Performance Dielectric Ceramic Films and Coatings for Energy Storage Capacitors
edited by Jing Wang and
submission deadline 20 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 3630 | Submission Open
Keywords: dielectric ceramic; antiferroelectric ceramics; ferroelectric ceramic; ceramic films; ceramic coatings; energy storage
(This special issue belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)
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