Advancing renewable functional coatings: sustainable solutions for modern material challenges

Abstract

Renewable functional coatings, crafted from sustainable resources, are revolutionizing materials science by combining advanced performance with eco-friendly attributes. These coatings, derived from bio-based feedstocks like natural oils, biopolymers, and microbial resources, provide essential functionalities, including corrosion resistance, antimicrobial activity, self-healing, and hydrophobicity, while reducing environmental impacts. Widely applied across industries such as automotive, electronics, and healthcare, they enhance durability, safety, and sustainability. Advanced characterization techniques have unveiled critical insights into their structures and properties, optimizing their development and application. The integration of renewable materials addresses global challenges by decreasing reliance on fossil-derived coatings, minimizing carbon footprints, and promoting resource efficiency through life cycle assessments. Despite challenges in balancing performance and sustainability, breakthroughs in formulation and multifunctionality continue to propel this field forward. This review highlights the transformative potential of renewable-based coatings, underscoring their role in fostering innovation and resilience in modern materials science. Through sustainable approaches and green chemistry principles, these coatings exemplify a paradigm shift toward a sustainable, high-performing future.