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Non-Invasive Multi-Analytical Insights into Renaissance Wall Paintings by Bernardino Luini
Smartphones as Portable Tools for Reliable Color Determination of Metal Coatings Using a Colorimetric Calibration Card

Journal Description

Coatings

Coatings is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on coatings and surface engineering, published monthly online by MDPI. The Korean Tribology Society (KTS) and Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology (CSMNT) are affiliated with Coatings and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Physics, Applied) / CiteScore - Q2 (Surfaces, Coatings and Films)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Sections: published in 14 topical sections.
Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Coatings.

Impact Factor: 2.8 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.0 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2079-6412

Latest Articles

15 pages, 3001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Exposure Time and Extracted Interval on Observation of Motion and Splitting Behavior of Cathode Spots for Vacuum Arc Deposition

by Hao Du, Ke Zhang, Debin Liu and Wenchang Lang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010045 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026

The proper control of cathode spot motion is the key issue in the application of vacuum arc deposition (VAD). Improving the arc spot discharge requires considering the structure and properties of the deposited films/coatings as well as the deposition velocity, target utilization, etc. [...] Read more.

The proper control of cathode spot motion is the key issue in the application of vacuum arc deposition (VAD). Improving the arc spot discharge requires considering the structure and properties of the deposited films/coatings as well as the deposition velocity, target utilization, etc. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to precisely observe cathode spots during discharge at both microscopic and macroscopic scales. However, how to capture the motion and splitting behavior of cathode spots using simple equipment remains an open question. In this work, we analyze the motion and the splitting behavior of cathode spots considering industry application on a Cr target for VAD under arc currents in the direct mode (70 A, 100 A, 150 A 200 A) and 400 A as a peak value in the pulse mode with two applied magnetic fields (20 Gs and 40 Gs) at the macroscopic scale using a high-speed digital camera, employing different exposure times under an extracted interval of 1 ms ranging from 0.01 ms to 20 ms. Furthermore, the images are also compared when the interval is extended to 2 ms and 4 ms. Considering all factors in the available data, 0.05 ms is suggested as the best exposure time, and 1 ms is suggested as the most suitable extracted interval for cathode spot observation under these conditions. Hopefully, this paper provides a suitable technique for observing the motion and splitting behavior of cathode spots at a macroscopic scale with the purpose of suppressing/eliminating the injection of macroparticles at the source for industrial VAD coating products of high quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Thin Films and Surfaces: Deposition, Characterization and Various Applications)

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12 pages, 1834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Optimization of Failure Diagnosis Processes for Capacity Degradation of Lithium Iron Phosphate

by Jinqiao Du, Jie Tian, Bo Rao, Zhaojie Liang, Tengteng Li, Xiner Luo and Jiuchun Jiang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010044 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP) batteries dominate grid-scale energy storage, yet their cycle life is capped by its capacity fade issues. Conventional failure workflows suffer from redundant tests, high cost, and long turnaround time because the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, [...] Read more.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP) batteries dominate grid-scale energy storage, yet their cycle life is capped by its capacity fade issues. Conventional failure workflows suffer from redundant tests, high cost, and long turnaround time because the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, multi-scale characterization coupled with electrochemical tests have been quantitatively established to reveal four synergistic fade modes of LFP: active-Li loss, FePO₄ secondary-phase formation, SEI rupture, and particle fracture. A two-tier “screen–validate” protocol is proposed to accurately and efficiently disclose its mechanism. In the screening tier, capacity, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, low-magnification scanning electron microscopy, and snapshot X-ray diffraction (XRD) rapidly flag the most probable failure cause. The validation tier then deploys mechanism-matched in situ/ex situ tools (operando XRD, TEM, XPS, ToF-SIMS, etc.) to build a comprehensive evidence chain of dynamic structural evolution, materials loss tracking, and quantitative proof. The streamlined workflow preserves scientific rigor and reproducibility while cutting analysis time and cost, offering a closed-loop route for fast failure diagnosis and targeted optimization of next-generation LFP batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coatings for Batteries and Energy Storage)

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22 pages, 19585 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laser-Clad TiB₂–TiC Ferroboron Coatings Resist Molten Al

by Lianmin Cao, Sipeng Li and Jianjun Yuan

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010043 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026

Carbon steel components used in aluminum alloy casting are prone to severe corrosion by molten aluminum, which significantly shortens their service life. To address this limitation, protective coatings were applied to improve corrosion resistance and extend durability. In this study, laser-clad TiB₂ [...] Read more.

Carbon steel components used in aluminum alloy casting are prone to severe corrosion by molten aluminum, which significantly shortens their service life. To address this limitation, protective coatings were applied to improve corrosion resistance and extend durability. In this study, laser-clad TiB₂–TiC reinforced ferroboron coatings were fabricated on carbon steel substrates. The microstructure, phase composition, and interface characteristics were systematically analyzed. Electrochemical and immersion tests were conducted to evaluate corrosion resistance in molten aluminum. The results demonstrate that the composite coating forms a dense barrier layer that effectively prevents aluminum infiltration and suppresses intermetallic compound growth. Consequently, the coated carbon steel exhibits markedly enhanced resistance to molten aluminum attack, providing a promising solution for extending the lifetime of steel components in aluminum alloy casting environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Laser Coatings)

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13 pages, 2156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Effects of Concentration and Temperature on the Molecular Dynamics Adsorption of a Phosphonic Acid Scale Inhibitor

by Hongjun Wu, Bao Zhang, Yi Yang, Tao Sun, Shiling Zhang, Zhongwu Yang, Kun Huang, Jiaxin Tang and Guangguang Xiang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010042 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026

Based on static scale inhibition experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study investigated the influence of concentration and temperature on the scale inhibition performance and adsorption behavior of the hydroxyphosphonic acid-based XCN scale inhibitor on calcite (104) surfaces. Experimental results demonstrate that [...] Read more.

Based on static scale inhibition experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study investigated the influence of concentration and temperature on the scale inhibition performance and adsorption behavior of the hydroxyphosphonic acid-based XCN scale inhibitor on calcite (104) surfaces. Experimental results demonstrate that XCN exhibits excellent inhibition efficiency against CaCO₃ scale, achieving 91.26% at 30 ppm and 60 °C. Further increasing the concentration to 35 ppm improves the inhibition rate by only 0.52%, a marginal gain attributable to the threshold effect. Performance improves with decreasing temperature, increasing from 91.26% at 60 °C to 96.92% at 30 °C. MD simulations reveal that the adsorption energy between XCN and calcite peaks at a specific molecular count (9 molecules), indicating optimal surface coverage. Radial distribution function analyses confirm chemisorption via Ca-O and Ca-H interactions within 1–3.5 Å, inducing lattice distortion that inhibits crystal growth. However, increasing temperature weakens adsorption and promotes molecular desorption, reducing inhibition efficiency. These findings provide molecular-level insights into the threshold and thermal behaviors of phosphonic acid scale inhibitors, supporting the optimized application of XCN in oilfield operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Coating Protection Technology in the Oil and Gas Industry)

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21 pages, 2118 KB

Open AccessReview

Electrode Materials and Prediction of Cycle Stability and Remaining Service Life of Supercapacitors

by Wen Jiang, Jingchen Wang, Rui Guo, Jinwei Wang, Jilong Song and Kai Wang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010041 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026

This paper reviews the research progress of supercapacitors (SCs), including the influence of electrode materials on energy storage mechanism and performance, and life prediction. Supercapacitors show application potential in many fields due to their high-power density, fast charge–discharge capability, long cycle life, and [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the research progress of supercapacitors (SCs), including the influence of electrode materials on energy storage mechanism and performance, and life prediction. Supercapacitors show application potential in many fields due to their high-power density, fast charge–discharge capability, long cycle life, and environmental protection characteristics. In this paper, the energy storage mechanism of the double-layer capacitor, pseudocapacitor, and asymmetric supercapacitor are discussed. New electrode materials, such as carbon-based materials, metal oxides, and conductive polymers, are reviewed based on the performance optimization measures that are involved in the microstructure design of electrode materials, and integrate the rule prediction of supercapacitors into comprehensive learning. When designing and using supercapacitors, we should not only pay attention to their life but also pay attention to their remaining service life in real time. The paper also mentions the progress of life prediction technology, which is of great significance to improve the reliability and maintenance efficiency of energy storage equipment, and ensure the long-term stable operation of energy storage systems. Future research directions include increasing energy density, extending life, adapting to extreme environments, developing flexible and wearable devices, intelligent management, and reducing costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)

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18 pages, 1437 KB

Open AccessReview

Review of the Mitigation Scale Performance of Anti-Fouling Coatings Surface Characteristics on Industrial Heat Exchange Surfaces

by Zhaorong He, Weiqi Lian, Yunrong Lv, Zhihong Duan and Zhiqing Fan

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010040 - 31 Dec 2025

Industrial heat exchangers are widely used in industries such as petrochemicals, energy and power, and food processing, making them one of the most important pieces of heat and mass transfer equipment in industry. During operation, a layer of fouling often adheres to the [...] Read more.

Industrial heat exchangers are widely used in industries such as petrochemicals, energy and power, and food processing, making them one of the most important pieces of heat and mass transfer equipment in industry. During operation, a layer of fouling often adheres to the heat transfer surfaces, which reduces the heat transfer coefficient of the equipment and increases the thermal resistance of the surfaces. Additionally, fouling can corrode the material of the heat transfer surfaces, compromise their integrity, and even lead to perforations and leaks, severely impacting equipment operation and safety while increasing energy consumption and costs for enterprises. The application of anti-fouling coatings on surfaces is a key technology to address fouling on heat transfer surfaces. This paper focuses on introducing major types of anti-fouling coatings, including polymer-based coatings, “metal material + X”-type coatings, “inorganic material + X”-type coatings, carbon-based material coatings, and other varieties. It analyzes and discusses the current research status and hotspots for these coatings, elaborates on their future development directions, and proposes ideas for developing new coating systems. On the other hand, this paper summarizes the current research on the main factors—surface roughness, surface free energy, surface wettability, and coating corrosion resistance—that affect the anti-fouling performance of coatings. It outlines the research hotspots and challenges in understanding the influence of these three factors and suggests that future research should consider the synergistic effects of multiple factors, providing valuable insights for further studies in the field of anti-fouling coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)

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19 pages, 4354 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Impact of External Influences on the Protective Coating Applied to Moulding Sand

by Mariusz Łucarz, Dariusz Drożyński, Alena Pribulová and Peter Futáš

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010039 - 31 Dec 2025

Obtaining a good casting surface without defects requires proper preparation of the mould for the given metal alloy. It is important to select the appropriate moulding sand, which consists of a grain matrix and a binder. Due to the temperature and dynamics of [...] Read more.

Obtaining a good casting surface without defects requires proper preparation of the mould for the given metal alloy. It is important to select the appropriate moulding sand, which consists of a grain matrix and a binder. Due to the temperature and dynamics of the poured alloy, it is also important to apply a suitably selected protective coating to the surface of the mould. Depending on its chemical composition, the carrier used (water or alcohol), and the method of application, it is possible to create the most favourable conditions for obtaining a flawless casting. This article presents the impact of various protective coatings applied to moulding sand on a chromite matrix, comparing their technological parameters and selecting the best one for the given application conditions. During commonly used tests on moulding sand with a protective coating, its permeability, abrasion, and adhesion were determined. To verify the results obtained, microscopic photographs of the prepared surface layers of the moulding sand with a protective coating were also taken. It was found that, despite the same viscosity, the same carrier, and the same application method, the quality of the protective coating is determined by its appropriate composition developed by the manufacturers. The permeability of P^u moulding blocks after coating was found to be significantly reduced, from 255 to 37 [×10⁻⁸ m²/Pa × s]. The use of protective coatings significantly increased the moulding sand’s abrasion resistance, reducing the loss value from 0.826% to 0.330% for the weakest coating. In the group of protective coatings tested, the coating marked PC1M in the tests had the highest adhesion N_p and its value, depending on the application method, ranged from 0.30 MPa to 0.37 MPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatigue and Wear Mechanisms of Different Surface Coatings for Industrial Application)

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17 pages, 3072 KB

Open AccessArticle

Washable Few-Layer Graphene-Based Conductive Coating: The Impact of TPU Segmental Structure on Its Final Performances

by Ilaria Improta, Gennaro Rollo, Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore, Marco Fiume, Vladimír Sedlařík and Marino Lavorgna

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010038 - 30 Dec 2025

The development of sustainable, water-based conductive coatings is essential for advancing environmentally responsible wearable and printed electronics. Achieving high electrical conductivity and wash durability remains a key challenge. This is largely dependent on the compatibility between the polymer matrix, the conductive filler and [...] Read more.

The development of sustainable, water-based conductive coatings is essential for advancing environmentally responsible wearable and printed electronics. Achieving high electrical conductivity and wash durability remains a key challenge. This is largely dependent on the compatibility between the polymer matrix, the conductive filler and the substrate surface. In this study, a facile formulation strategy is proposed by directly integrating few-layer graphene (FLG, 2.5 wt%) into commercial bio-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a dispersing agent. The investigation focuses on how the segmental architecture of four TPUs with different structure and hard–soft segments composition influences filler dispersion, mechanical integrity, and electrical behavior. Coatings were deposited onto flexible substrates, including textiles and paper, using a bar-coating process and were characterized in terms of morphology, thermal properties, electrical conductivity, and wash resistance. The results demonstrate that TPUs containing a higher presence of hard segments interact more effectively with hydrophobic surfaces, while TPUs with a higher contribution of soft segments improve adhesion to hydrophilic substrates and facilitate the formation of the percolation network, underling the role of TPU microstructure in controlling interfacial interactions and overall coating performance. The proposed comparative approach provides a sustainable pathway toward durable, high-performance, and washable electronic textiles and paper-based devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)

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17 pages, 5035 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Cascade R-CNN-Based Fastener Detection Method for Coating Workshop Inspection

by Jiaqi Liu, Shanhui Liu, Yuhong Chen, Jiawen Zhao and Jiahao Fu

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010037 - 30 Dec 2025

To address the challenges of small fastener targets, complex backgrounds, and the low efficiency of traditional manual inspection in coating workshop scenarios, this paper proposes an improved Cascade R-CNN-based fastener detection method. A VOC-format dataset was constructed covering three target categories—Marking-painted fastener, Fastener, [...] Read more.

To address the challenges of small fastener targets, complex backgrounds, and the low efficiency of traditional manual inspection in coating workshop scenarios, this paper proposes an improved Cascade R-CNN-based fastener detection method. A VOC-format dataset was constructed covering three target categories—Marking-painted fastener, Fastener, and Fallen off—which represents typical inspection scenarios of coating equipment under diverse operating conditions and enhances the adaptability of the model. Within the Cascade R-CNN framework, three improvements were introduced: the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) was integrated into the ResNet-101 backbone to enhance feature representation of small objects; anchor scales were reduced to better align with the actual size distribution of fasteners; and Soft-NMS was adopted in place of conventional NMS to effectively reduce missed detections in overlapping regions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 96.60% on the self-constructed dataset, with both Precision and Recall exceeding 95%, significantly outperforming Faster R-CNN and the original Cascade R-CNN. The method enables accurate detection and missing-state recognition of fasteners in complex backgrounds and small-object scenarios, providing reliable technical support for the automation and intelligence of printing equipment inspection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Monitoring, Control and Manufacturing in Coating Technologies)

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3 pages, 157 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Progress and Challenges of Bandgap Engineering in One-Dimensional Semiconductor Materials

by Xia Shen and Pengfei Guo

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010036 - 29 Dec 2025

Since their emergence, low-dimensional nanostructures, particularly semiconductor nanowires and nanobelts, have attracted significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in future integrated optoelectronic devices and circuits [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Semiconductor Materials and Films: Properties and Applications)

15 pages, 1803 KB

Open AccessArticle

High Thermoelectric Performance of Nanocrystalline Bismuth Antimony Telluride Thin Films Fabricated via Pressure-Gradient Sputtering

by Tetsuya Takizawa, Yuto Nakazawa, Keisuke Kaneko, Yoshiyuki Shinozaki, Cheng Zhang, Takumi Kaneko, Hiroshi Murotani and Masayuki Takashiri

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010035 - 29 Dec 2025

Bismuth–telluride-based alloys are excellent thermoelectric materials for Peltier modules and thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Owing to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for sensors has increased considerably and self-power supplies to sensors using TEGs are garnering attention. To apply TEGs [...] Read more.

Bismuth–telluride-based alloys are excellent thermoelectric materials for Peltier modules and thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Owing to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for sensors has increased considerably and self-power supplies to sensors using TEGs are garnering attention. To apply TEGs to IoT sensors, the thermoelectric materials used must be sufficiently small and thin while exhibiting high thermoelectric performance. In this study, Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films were prepared using a pressure-gradient sputtering system. The obtained films exhibit a nanocrystalline structure with a significantly smooth surface and no preferred crystal orientation. Because the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films exhibit a high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity, the in-plane dimensionless figure of merit is 0.98, which is one of the highest values reported for thermoelectric materials measured near 300 K. Furthermore, the phonon mean-free path is 0.19 nm, as estimated using the 3ω method and nanoindentation. This value is significantly smaller than the average crystallite size of the thin film, thus indicating that phonon scattering occurs more frequently via ternary-alloy scattering inside the crystallites than via boundary scattering at the crystallite boundaries. The results of this study can advance thin-film TEGs as a source of self-sustaining power for IoT systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films)

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25 pages, 19297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure of Cobalt Alloy Coating Manufactured by LVOF Process: Spray Distance and Stoichiometric Gase Ratio Effect

by Fernando Juárez-López, Rubén Cuamatzi-Meléndez, Melquisedec Vicente-Mendoza and Ángel de Jesús Morales-Ramírez

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010034 - 29 Dec 2025

This work presents a microstructural characterization methodology for Diamalloy 3001 metallic powders sprayed onto Inconel 718 substrates by flame combustion. Hence, two flame stoichiometric (acetylene/oxygen) rates and specified thermal spray distances were performed in order to study their effects on the developed microstructure [...] Read more.

This work presents a microstructural characterization methodology for Diamalloy 3001 metallic powders sprayed onto Inconel 718 substrates by flame combustion. Hence, two flame stoichiometric (acetylene/oxygen) rates and specified thermal spray distances were performed in order to study their effects on the developed microstructure of the sprayed coatings. The morphology and chemical composition of the developed coatings were evaluated with microscopy, and a comparison of microstructural quality was performed. The findings indicated that spray distance affected coating quality, which is composed of morphology-type lamellar with elongated features, while gravel-like morphologies related to semi-solid powder particles were observed. Moreover, X-ray diffraction analyses established that chemical content of phases rich in oxides increased proportionally with spray distance. Vickers hardness measures and three-point bending tests were correlated with the microstructure and spray distance. These characteristics show that cobalt-based coatings could be proposed for commercial applications requiring high mechanical resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Research and Application of Organic and Inorganic Coatings)

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14 pages, 816 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tensile Bond Strength Between Zirconia and PEEK Blocks: A Polymer–Ceramic Adhesive Interface Study

by Bora Akat, Ezgi Su Sarıal, Fehmi Gönüldaş and Mehmet Ali Kılıçarslan

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010033 - 28 Dec 2025

Reliable bonding between zirconia and PEEK surfaces is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of hybrid prosthetic restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the tensile bond strength of zirconia–PEEK specimens prepared using different primer strategies to determine the most effective adhesive protocol. One [...] Read more.

Reliable bonding between zirconia and PEEK surfaces is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of hybrid prosthetic restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the tensile bond strength of zirconia–PEEK specimens prepared using different primer strategies to determine the most effective adhesive protocol. One hundred bonded specimens were divided into four groups (n = 25): control (no primer), zirconia primer (MKZ Primer), PEEK primer (Visio.link), and dual primer application. Specimens underwent sandblasting with 110 µm Al₂O₃ particles at 2 bar pressure for 15 s, and the PEEK primer was light-cured using a Valo Grand LED curing unit (1000 mW/cm², 90 s). All samples were bonded using the same universal adhesive and resin cement, and tensile bond strength was measured with a micro-tensile testing device. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (α = 0.05). The mean bond strengths were 12.83 MPa (control), 15.05 MPa (zirconia primer), 90.50 MPa (PEEK primer), and 102.09 MPa (dual primer). Application of PEEK primer significantly enhanced adhesion compared to zirconia primer or control (p < 0.001), while dual primer use yielded the highest values, indicating a synergistic effect. These findings suggest that surface-specific priming of both zirconia and PEEK surfaces effectively improves polymer–ceramic bonding performance and may contribute to the clinical durability of hybrid prosthetic restorations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials, Coatings and Techniques: Applications in Medicine and Dentistry, 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 641 KB

Open AccessReview

Synergistic Effects of Graphene and SiO₂ Nanoadditives on Dirt Pickup Resistance, Hydrophobicity, and Mechanical Properties of Architectural Coatings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Kseniia Burkovskaia, Michał Strankowski and Krzysztof Szafran

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010032 - 28 Dec 2025

This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the use of graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene nanoplatelets) and nanosilica (SiO₂) in architectural paint and coatings. The aim was to quantitatively assess their effect on dirt [...] Read more.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the use of graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene nanoplatelets) and nanosilica (SiO₂) in architectural paint and coatings. The aim was to quantitatively assess their effect on dirt pickup resistance, hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties. In a systematic search across ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2025), 20 studies that met the set inclusion criteria were identified. We extracted and generalized data with random-effects models (REML) based on standardized mean differences, conducting subgroup and meta-regression analyses to assess filler type, loading, and binder system impact. The results reveal that graphene-based fillers and SiO₂ improve coating performance at the same time, and hybrid graphene-SiO₂ systems may provide a synergistic improvement depending on the binder matrix. Our results present the first quantitative evidence of graphene-SiO₂ interaction in the coating formulations, identify remaining research gaps, and indicate methods for designing next-generation facade paints with better dirt repellence, durability, and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Polymer Coating Materials Containing Graphene Derivatives)

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16 pages, 2446 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Property Evolution of Pigmented Chinese Lacquer Coatings During Mercury Lamp-Induced Photoaging

by Yunxi Nie, Yushu Chen and Xinyou Liu

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010031 - 27 Dec 2025

This study examines the pigment-dependent photoaging behavior of laboratory-prepared mock-up Chinese lacquer coatings colored with cinnabar, orpiment, and lapis lazuli under high-pressure mercury-lamp irradiation. Colorimetric results showed rapid changes within the first three days, with maximum ΔE values of 14.05 (red), 16.74 (yellow), [...] Read more.

This study examines the pigment-dependent photoaging behavior of laboratory-prepared mock-up Chinese lacquer coatings colored with cinnabar, orpiment, and lapis lazuli under high-pressure mercury-lamp irradiation. Colorimetric results showed rapid changes within the first three days, with maximum ΔE values of 14.05 (red), 16.74 (yellow), and 17.97 (blue) after 30 days. Cinnabar-based films exhibited the highest color stability, whereas orpiment and lapis-lazuli coatings underwent pronounced hue shifts and chroma increases. Gloss loss and surface roughness evolution displayed a strong negative correlation: orpiment coatings experienced the most severe degradation, with gloss decreasing by over 60% and surface roughness increasing by approximately 70%, while cinnabar coatings showed the least decline (≈55% gloss loss; ≈27% roughness increase). SEM analysis further revealed extensive cracking and particle fragmentation in orpiment films, moderate surface disruption in lapis-lazuli films, and minimal microstructural damage in cinnabar films. Non-invasive reflection-mode FTIR spectroscopy confirmed these trends, showing minimal chemical change in cinnabar coatings but significant carbonyl growth, C–O–C band broadening, and aliphatic chain cleavage in orpiment and lapis-lazuli coatings. These results highlight the critical role of pigment chemistry in modulating UV-induced degradation pathways. Integrating optical, morphological, and chemical evidence, this study establishes a clear pigment-dependent degradation mechanism and provides valuable guidance for evaluating the long-term stability of lacquered cultural heritage and optimizing modern lacquer formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)

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21 pages, 4689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Analysis and Thermal–Mechanical Stress Simulation of Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Bits During Rock Breaking Process

by Zengzeng Zhang, Xiaoting Gao, Jianping Liu, Tian Su, Qing Yan, Fakai Dou, Xuefeng Mei and Meiyan Wang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010030 - 26 Dec 2025

Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits are widely used in oil, gas, and geological exploration. During rock breaking, most of the work is converted into cutting heat, leading to a rise in cutter temperature and potential damage. However, the influence of formation temperature and [...] Read more.

Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits are widely used in oil, gas, and geological exploration. During rock breaking, most of the work is converted into cutting heat, leading to a rise in cutter temperature and potential damage. However, the influence of formation temperature and rock properties on cutting temperature and thermal stress remains insufficiently understood. This study combined numerical simulation and experimental methods to investigate the temperature rise and thermal stress of a single PDC cutter during rock breaking, focusing on the effects of formation temperature (27–250 °C) and rock strength (sandstone, marble, and granite). The results show that the temperature rise of the PDC cutter adheres to the following three distinct stages: rapid increase, slow increase, and stabilization. Rock strength significantly affects the temperature rise rate and stress; when breaking granite, the cutter temperature reached approximately 131.4 °C, about 2–3 times higher than for marble and sandstone, while the rate of penetration (ROP) decreased by 70.6–75.6%. As formation temperature increased from 27 °C to 250 °C, the internal temperature difference within the cutter decreased from 72.6 °C to 35.6 °C, and the equivalent stress first increased and then decreased, peaking at 2.84 GPa at 50 °C. The ROP initially increased and then decreased with an increase in formation temperature. Numerical simulations and experimental findings are in good agreement. This study provides theoretical and technical guidance for optimizing cutter design and improving the rock-breaking efficiency and service life of PDC bits in deep and high-temperature formations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science)

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36 pages, 3935 KB

Open AccessReview

Application of Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes in Outdoor Sportswear: From Preparation Technologies to Multifunctional Integration

by Guobao Yan, Yangxian Hu, Mingxing Liu, Fawei Huang, Jinghua Miu and Guoyuan Huang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010029 - 26 Dec 2025

Outdoor sportswear increasingly demands multifunctional performance, including waterproofness, breathability, and intelligent thermal regulation. Nanofiber membranes, especially those prepared via electrospinning, offer a promising platform due to their tunable pore structures, high specific surface area, and ease of functionalization. This review outlines progress from [...] Read more.

Outdoor sportswear increasingly demands multifunctional performance, including waterproofness, breathability, and intelligent thermal regulation. Nanofiber membranes, especially those prepared via electrospinning, offer a promising platform due to their tunable pore structures, high specific surface area, and ease of functionalization. This review outlines progress from fabrication to multifunctional integration, highlighting key quantitative advances: electrospun membranes achieve water vapor transmission rates >10,000 g·m⁻²·day⁻¹ with hydrostatic pressure resistance of 80–150 kPa, and thermal conductivity as low as 0.033–0.040 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. We analyze how structural designs enable tailored functionalities for diverse outdoor scenarios. The review’s key contributions include establishing a clear “process-structure-function” framework, critically comparing nanofiber membranes with conventional materials, and identifying industrialization challenges—scalability, durability, cost—while pointing toward smart, sustainable, and customizable future directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)

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22 pages, 3997 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Failure Characteristics and Mechanisms of Asphalt Pavements for Municipal Landscape Roads

by Lei Zhang, Xinxin Cao, Xuefeng Mei, Xinhui Fu and Huanhuan Zhang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010028 - 26 Dec 2025

With the acceleration of urbanization, municipal landscape roads play a crucial role in urban public spaces. This study focuses on the distress detection and aging characteristics of asphalt pavements in municipal landscape roads. Firstly, a novel method is proposed based on the SpA-Former [...] Read more.

With the acceleration of urbanization, municipal landscape roads play a crucial role in urban public spaces. This study focuses on the distress detection and aging characteristics of asphalt pavements in municipal landscape roads. Firstly, a novel method is proposed based on the SpA-Former shadow removal network, which effectively addresses the interference caused by tree shadows and significantly improves the accuracy of automated distress identification. Distress detection results indicate that transverse cracks are the most common type of distress, primarily influenced by environmental factors such as asphalt material aging, temperature fluctuations, and freeze-thaw cycles—these factors induce asphalt embrittlement and a substantial decline in crack resistance. Subsequently, accelerated aging experiments were conducted to simulate the aging process of asphalt materials. It was found that as aging time extends, asphalt stiffness increases significantly; while this enhances deformation resistance, it also makes the material more prone to cracking under low-temperature conditions. Low-temperature crack resistance tests reveal that asphalt aged for more than six years exhibits a sharp deterioration in low-temperature crack resistance, showing distinct brittle characteristics. Furthermore, freeze-thaw cycle experiments demonstrate that the coupling effect of asphalt aging and freeze-thaw action significantly impairs its freeze-thaw resistance—particularly for asphalt aged over six years, which nearly loses its freeze-thaw resistance. In summary, the coupling effect of asphalt aging and environmental factors is the primary cause of pavement damage in municipal landscape roads. This study divides 2542 images into three mutually exclusive subsets: a training set of 2123 images, a validation set of 209 images, and a test set of 210 images. The research provides new theoretical references and technical support for the maintenance and management of landscape roads, especially demonstrating practical significance in distress detection and the analysis of material aging mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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14 pages, 2506 KB

Open AccessPerspective

A Perspective on Radiative Cooling Paints: Bridging the Gap Between Optical Optimization and Practical Application

by Zhuojing Zhao, Zhenyu Guo, Ya Huang, Siming Zhao, Yonglu Zang, Fan Lan, Ruina Liu, Linan Feng, Shuang Tao, Qixuan Cai, Mengxin Lei and Rufan Zhang

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010027 - 26 Dec 2025

The escalating global heatwave crisis demands urgent advancements in high-efficiency, energy-saving cooling technologies. Radiative cooling (RC) paints, capable of passively dissipating heat through the atmospheric transparent window (ATW, 8–13 μm) without external energy input, have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for sustainable thermal [...] Read more.

The escalating global heatwave crisis demands urgent advancements in high-efficiency, energy-saving cooling technologies. Radiative cooling (RC) paints, capable of passively dissipating heat through the atmospheric transparent window (ATW, 8–13 μm) without external energy input, have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for sustainable thermal management. This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift in the field from solely focusing on optical performance optimization to comprehensive system design that simultaneously achieves high cooling power, industrial-scale manufacturability, long-term environmental durability, and customizable aesthetics. We systematically analyzed the fundamental design principles of RC paints, reviewed the construction strategy of the state-of-the-art RC paints, advanced multi-band spectral engineering, synergistic integration with complementary cooling technologies, and robust structural configurations for large-scale deployment. Addressing critical challenges for commercialization, we also proposed targeted solutions, including enhanced application-specific durability, cost-effective production scaling, and multifunctional system integration. This work provides a strategic roadmap to accelerate the transition of RC paints from laboratory prototypes to ubiquitous real-world applications, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future with improved thermal comfort. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Films and Coatings for Perovskite Solar Cells: Stability, Efficiency and Scalability)

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16 pages, 2630 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of SRB on the Electrochemical Performance of Aluminum-Based Sacrificial Anodes in Marine Mud

by Baocheng Zhou, Wei Zhang, Xinwen Zhang, Weiyin Quan, Hua Huang and Zhifeng Lin

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010026 - 25 Dec 2025

This study investigated the degradation of aluminum-based sacrificial anodes caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in marine mud. Through self-discharge tests simulating real cathodic protection conditions, alongside macroscopic observations, electrochemical analysis, and microscopic characterization, we systematically elucidated the corrosion behavior and mechanisms of the [...] Read more.

This study investigated the degradation of aluminum-based sacrificial anodes caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in marine mud. Through self-discharge tests simulating real cathodic protection conditions, alongside macroscopic observations, electrochemical analysis, and microscopic characterization, we systematically elucidated the corrosion behavior and mechanisms of the anodes with and without SRB. The results showed that the electrochemical capacity of anodes in SRB-inoculated mud was only 1281.28 Ah·kg⁻¹ (efficiency: 44.82%), failing to meet the design requirement of ≥1500 Ah·kg⁻¹. In contrast, in sterile mud, the capacity was 1972.84 Ah·kg⁻¹ (efficiency: 69.01%), which met the standard. SRB promoted the formation of discrete corrosion pits with depths reaching up to 0.43 mm, 3.07 times deeper than those observed under sterile conditions. The local pH within the pits dropped to 3–4, accelerating the selective dissolution of active elements such as Al and Zn. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the sulfides produced by SRB not only disrupt the passive film but also exacerbate the inefficient consumption of the anode through a positive feedback loop involving “acidic corrosion and electron consumption”. This led to a reduction in the protective current density, accompanied by significant fluctuations. This study provides the underlying mechanisms by which SRB degrade the performance of sacrificial anodes and valuable insights for optimizing the design of cathodic protection systems for steel structures in marine mud environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Structure and Corrosion Resistance of Steels/Alloys, 2nd Edition)

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