a critical reVieW of carBon nanotUBe-BaseD sUrface coatings the emergence of carbon nanotubes (CNt) has encouraged widespread interest among researchers with many pioneering applications achieved by exploiting the unique properties of carbon allotropes.this article is a general overview of the di versity of applications of CNt and their various forms, particularly, in the area of surface coatings.the different methods, which have been developed and practiced in the preparation, dispersion, functionalization, and metallization of CNt, are elu cidated.the composite coatings have been prepared using electrochemical methods such as electroplating and electroless plating.the review presents the mechanical, electrochemical, corrosion, thermal, electrical conduction, tribological, biosensing, magnetic, and microwave absorbing properties of CNtbased composites.the in corporation of CNt substantially affects the coating performance, and the level of influence can be befittingly adjusted to suit the application needs.Various charac