Development of functionalized nanowires for smart coatings used in corrosion inhibition

Nanomaterials, such as nanowires, are important corrosion inhibitors. The functionalized nanowires have emerged as promising materials for smart coatings aimed at corrosion inhibition. The functionalized metal nanowires can enhance the protective properties of coatings through their unique characteristics such as electrical conductivity, ferromagnetism, and water corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They are typically made from materials like metals (e.g., zinc, copper), metal oxides (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), or polymers. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio allows for enhanced interactions with the environment and improved functionality. Among these, polymer coating is one of the best methods for corrosion inhibition. The need for adaptive and useful coatings has rapidly increased since for their capacity to adapt to a broad variety of materials, chemical and mechanical circumstances, and unpredictable climatic contexts. Self-healing coatings employ self-healing polymers encased in polymerizable entities like microparticles and nanoparticles to give a novel way to autonomic repair of microcracks. Furthermore, these microparticles and nanoparticles can be equipped with corrosion inhibitors, which are generated as a response of mechanical or chemical damage, therefore reducing corrosion. The use of superhydrophobic coatings improves corrosion resistance due to changes in the coating’s solubility, which alters its hydrophilic or hydrophobic behavior.