Engineered Polyurethanes on the Path to Next-Generation Smart Coatings: From Superhydrophobic Surfaces to Biodegradable Scaffolds

Metal corrosion is considered one of the major challenges in modern industries, leading to performance degradation of equipment and significant economic losses. Consequently, the development of efficient protective coatings has attracted considerable attention. Among the available options, polyurethane coatings have emerged as a promising class of organic coatings due to their formulation versatility, desirable chemical stability, and the possibility of tailoring their properties for specific applications.
This article provides an analytical overview of the controllable characteristics of polyurethane coatings and the factors influencing their performance. Particular attention is given to the role of polyol structures, the nature of isocyanates, and the structure–property relationships that determine the final behavior of these coatings. After reviewing the fundamental chemistry of polyurethanes, major classifications of these coatings are discussed, along with their performance in industrial environments and corrosive conditions. The article further examines emerging types of polyurethane systems, including waterborne polyurethanes, non isocyanate polyurethanes, hydrophobic and icephobic polyurethane coatings, as well as polyurethane materials used in biomedical applications. Finally, future perspectives and potential directions for improving the corrosion resistance and performance of polyurethane coatings are highlighted.