Nanocomposites are high-performance materials with exceptional characteristics that possess properties that their individual constituents, by themselves, cannot provide. They have useful applications in many fields, ranging from membrane processes to fuel cells, biomedical devices, and anti-corrosion protection. Well-tailored nanocomposites are promising materials for anti-corrosion coatings on metals and alloys, exhibiting simple barrier protection or even smart auto-responsive and self-healing functionalities. Nanocomposite coatings can be prepared by using a large variety of matrices and reinforcement materials, often acting in synergy. In this context, recent advances in the preparation and characterization of corrosion-resistant nanocomposite coatings based on metallic, polymeric, and ceramic matrices, as well as the incorporation of various reinforcement materials, are reviewed. The review presents the most important materials used as matrices for nanocomposites (metals, polymers, and ceramics), the most popular fillers (nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods, nanoplatelets, nanosheets, nanofilms, or nanocapsules), and their combinations. Some of the most important characteristics and applications of nanocomposite coatings, as well as the challenges for future research, are briefly discussed.
Keywords: anti-corrosion properties; metallic substrates; nanocomposite coatings; reinforcement materials.