The use of smart coatings for metal corrosion control

The present contribution aims at presenting some relevant developments in the characterisation of corrosion phenomena in the presence of two commonly employed coating types: organic coatings and inorganic (Portland cement) based coatings; the former acts as physical barriers to water access and aggressive ions to the metallics substrate. But only the cement-based coatings provide an additional chemical protection barrier due to the high pH, favouring steel passivation. Current strategies to improve the performance of these coatings consist of giving them self-healing characteristics, which extend their service life. Electrochemical techniques are significant in characterising healing and self-healing in both scenarios.