Advances in Sustainable Polymeric and Composite Coatings

Dear Colleagues,

The pursuit of sustainability is a driving force in material science and engineering, leading to advancements in polymeric and composite coatings derived from sustainable materials. These coatings are designed to meet strict environmental standards while enhancing performance and durability.

Polymeric coatings are essential for protecting and enhancing surfaces, offering benefits such as corrosion resistance, UV protection, antimicrobial properties, and improved aesthetics. Traditionally, these coatings have relied on petroleum-based resources, raising environmental concerns. The shift towards sustainable materials addresses these issues by using renewable resources, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing recyclability.

Developing sustainable polymeric coatings involves innovative material selection, formulation, and processing. Bio-based polymers, derived from renewable sources like plants and agricultural by-products, present environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional polymers. Additionally, advancements in nanotechnology and green chemistry enhance the properties and performance of sustainable coatings. Nanomaterials like graphene and cellulose nanocrystals improve mechanical strength and thermal stability, while green synthesis methods minimise hazardous chemicals and energy consumption, furthering the sustainability of these coatings.

Considering the aforementioned, the topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bio-Based Polymer Development: research on new bio-based polymers from renewable sources for use in coatings.
• Nanomaterial Integration: incorporation of nanomaterials to enhance coating properties.
• Green Chemistry Approaches: environmentally friendly synthesis methods for producing sustainable coatings.
• Performance Enhancement: studies to improve functional properties such as corrosion resistance, UV protection, and antimicrobial activity.
• Recyclability and End-of-Life Management: methods for recycling coatings and managing their disposal.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: life cycle assessments comparing sustainable coatings to traditional ones.
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards for sustainable coatings.

Dr. Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías
Dr. Ramón Enrique Díaz de León
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 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.

• sustainable coatings
• bio-based polymers
• nanomaterials
• bio-derived fillers
• green chemistry
• environmental impact
• recyclability
• performance enhancement