Recent Representative Progress of Surface Coating Technology

Abstract Surface coating technologies have become fundamental in modern industrial development, offering effective methods to enhance material surface properties while maintaining bulk characteristics. These technologies span from traditional methods like electroplating to advanced techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD), serving crucial functions in corrosion protection, wear resistance, and various specialized applications across industries. The field has witnessed significant advancement in both process sophistication and application scope, driven by increasing demands for enhanced material performance and environmental sustainability. The integration of nanotechnology and smart materials has led to the development of multifunctional coatings with unprecedented properties, while emerging technologies (such as smart manufacturing and biomedical coatings) like cold spray and biomimetic surface modification continue to expand the possibilities for surface engineering applications. Bearing it in mind, we would like to offer a timely and concisely summary for the recent representative progress of surface coating technology, hoping to provide basic understanding and fundamental guidance for the development of the field.