About this Research Topic

Background

Nanocomposite materials represent an innovative field within materials science, characterized by the integration of nanoscale particles or fibers into a matrix of different materials, to create materials with unique properties. These properties, which include enhanced adhesion, durability, chemical resistance, weatherability, scratch resistance, optical properties, flexibility, anti-fouling and thermal stability, make nanocomposites particularly promising for advanced coating applications. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of nanocomposites to significantly improve the barrier performance of coatings, thereby offering superior protection against corrosion and other environmental factors.
The addition of nanofillers to coatings, for example, not only improves barrier performance by minimizing porosity but also creates intricate diffusion paths that protect against corrosion and other forms of degradation, while the integration of hard nanocrystalline phases within metallic matrices further contributes to the exceptional hardness of metallic coatings. These characteristics position nanocomposites as versatile solutions across various industries, enhancing features such as corrosion resistance in transportation to functional properties in electronic and healthcare applications.

Despite these promising developments, challenges remain in optimizing the performance and durability of nanocomposite coatings to ensure their viability as substitutes for existing commercial products. Current research is focused on addressing these challenges, with a particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms that underpin the enhanced properties of nanocomposites and exploring innovative applications across various industries, including transportation, electronics, and healthcare.

This research topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for advancing the study of nanocomposites, with a particular focus on their application in coatings. The primary objectives are to explore novel synthesis and characterization techniques, investigate the functionalization and surface modification of nanocomposites, and assess their multifunctional capabilities. By addressing these areas, this Topic will identify the challenges and opportunities within the field, deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and explore potential directions and emerging trends. Ultimately, the goal is to present cutting-edge ideas and methods that can lead to advancements in the development and application of nanocomposite coatings.

To gather further insights into the potential and limitations of nanocomposite coatings, we welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Novel Synthesis and Characterization Techniques
- Functionalization and Surface Modification
- Multifunctional Coatings
- Environmental Considerations
- Industrial Applications
- Computational Modeling and Simulation
- Regulatory and Safety Aspects

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: nanocomposites; coatings; nanomaterials; coating applications; multifunctional coatings

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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