Advantages of nanocoatings in dealing with corrosion

There are three different approaches to anti-corrosive solutions; material selection, adjusting the environmental conditions, cathodic production, and surface modifications. Coating, which is one of the surface modification methods, is the most widely used method for preventing, minimizing,or controlling corrosion [۱]. The wide range of coating materials and processes for different applications and conditions make this method a desirable approach to corrosion prevention. In general, coatings reduce corrosion by providing passive or active protection. Passive protection is obtained when the coating forms a physical barrier of oxides between the substrate and thesurrounding environment [۲]. Active protection is obtained when chemicals (inhibitors) are addedto aggressive environments to prevent corrosion. Inhibitors minimize the corrosion rate by eitherbeing chemically absorbed on the surface of the material and forming a protective film or by reacting with the corrosive component. Traditional coating materials include polymer based coatings, chromium based coatings, zirconium based nanocoatings, etc. However, anti-corrosive materials need further development to provide better protection and meet the requirements of developing technology. This is where nanotechnology comes into play [۳]. Nanocoating combinesthe protective properties of conventional coating system with effects on nanoscale such as highhardness, UV scattering, and uniform dispersing. Their facile and low-cost synthesis, together with superior protective properties and multi-functionalities, makes nanocoating attractive candidates for next-generation coating systems. For the purpose of addressing this issue, in this article,nanoparticles, nanocomposites, or nanocontainers in the coating formulation has been investigatedto enhance the wear resistance, shock, or pressure resistance and improve thermal conductivity ofoffshore structures, vessels, and drilling equipment[۴].