Corrosion-resistant metallic coatings

We describe recent computational and experimental studies on the
corrosion properties of metallic coatings that can be tailored (tuned)
to deliver up to three corrosion-inhibiting functions to an underlying
substrate. Attributes are tuned by a selection of alloy compositions and
nanostructures, ideally in alloy systems that offer flexibility of choice
to optimize the corrosion-resisting properties. An amorphous Al-based
coating is tuned for corrosion protection by on-demand release of ionic
inhibitors to protect defects in the coating, by formation of an optimized
barrier to local corrosion in Cl– containing environments, as well as by
sacrificial cathodic prevention. Further progress in this field could lead
to the design of the next generation of adaptive or tunable coatings that
inhibit corrosion of underlying substrates.