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The pursuit of achieving both ceramic-like hardness and polymer-like flexibility in a coating, known as a polymer–ceramic hybrid coating, is a challenging yet highly desirable goal. The application of these coatings spans various domains such as foldable displays, wearable devices, maritime industries, and biomedical engineering. Particularly, endowing polymer–ceramic hybrid coatings with functions such as transparency, anti-liquid adhesion, anti-biofouling, and self-healing expand their potential in fields necessitating highly protective performance, which have gained significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, our main objective is to provide interested readers with a clear framework for assessment and future exploration of this topic. We systematically outline the fundamentals of functional polymer-ceramic hybrid coatings, explaining their fabrication intricacies. Additionally, we explore their practical applications, intricately tailored to the unique requirements of each field. Concluding our review, we address the key challenges facing modern functional polymer–ceramic coatings and propose potential paths for future advancements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing eco-friendly antifouling materials for combating marine biofouling has long been a challenging task. Herein, we report a non‑silicone elastomer coating based on hyperbranched poly (ε -caprolactone) (HPCL) cross-linked with an amphiphilic triblock copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)- block -poly(propylene glycol)- block -poly(ethylene glycol). The polymer coating is prepared by ring-opening polymerization and self-condensation reactions, which can be prepared at a large scale. Such a coating is expected to have a self-renewed surface, fouling resistance and fouling release abilities. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation test shows that the coating is degradable, leading to a self-renewed surface. The degradation rate can be regulated by adjusting the HPCL content. Bioassays with bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and diatom (N. incerta) reveal that the surface with triblock copolymer content of 12.5 wt% or higher can resist the adhesion of microorganisms. The coating also has good fouling release performance with pseudobarnacle removal strength of ∼0.15 MPa, which is comparable with that of silicone elastomer. Marine field test for over 120 days proves the coating is effective in inhibiting marine biofouling due to the synergetic effect of surface renewal, fouling release and fouling resistance. This work provides a facile preparation method for biocide-free antifouling materials. [Display omitted] • The coating has excellent fouling release ability and adhesion to substrate. • The polyester-based coating has a self-renewed surface that reduces biofouling. • The amphiphilic additive, instead of biocide, provides fouling resistance. • The coating can effectively inhibit biofouling in marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel epoxy coating with cross-linkable solvent has been developed inspired by tree roots. • Such a coating has a low viscosity so it can permeate into the pores or defects of concrete up to 1.5 mm. • The solvents can be activated at higher temperature and cross-link with epoxy resin in-situ, forming a robust coating/concrete composite. • The concrete can be significantly protected and reinforced by the coating with improved mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. • The permeable epoxy coating has a low content of volatile organic compound (VOC) owing to the cross-linkable solvents. Protective coatings are effective to prevent concrete from corrosion and improve its durability. In this study, we report a novel epoxy coating with cross-linkable solvent via Diels-Alder reaction. Such a coating has a low viscosity so it can permeate into the pores or defects of concrete up to 1.5 mm, whereas the solvents cross-link with epoxy resin in-situ at higher temperature, forming a robust root-like coating/concrete composite. The concrete is significantly reinforced in the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Moreover, the cross-linkable solvents allow the coating to have a low content of volatile organic compound (VOC) (< 2 wt%) so it exhibits less negative impact on environment. The high performance coating can find applications in protection of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration of zwitterionic surfaces is a promising strategy to combat biofouling. In this study, we have prepared degradable hyperbranched anti-biofouling polymers of methyl methacrylate, tertiary carboxybetaine ester (TCB), and divinyl monomers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The degradation rate of such polymers is a function of the content or type of divinyl monomers. As the content of methacrylic anhydride (MAAH) increases, the degradation rate of the polymer becomes faster; whereas, a change of the divinyl monomers causes the degradation rate to follow a descending order: N , N ′-adipic bis (diacetone acrylamide hydrazone) (DAA 2 H) > MAAH > ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Antibacterial and anti-diatom assays show that the coatings inhibit the adhesion of the marine bacteria Pseudomonas sp. and the diatom Navicula incerta. The polymeric coating is expected to be applied in marine anti-biofouling. [Display omitted] • The polymer can degrade and hydrolyze, leading to a surface-fragmenting, self-regenerating anti-biofouling surface. • The degradation rate of such polymers is controlled by the content or type of divinyl monomers. • The hydrolysis-induced zwitterions solve the swelling and poor mechanical properties of traditional zwitterionic polymers. • The polymeric coatings show excellent antibacterial and anti-diatom properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]