Functional polymer–ceramic hybrid coatings: Status, progress, and trend

The pursuit of achieving both ceramic-like hardness and polymer-like flexibility in a coating, known as a polymer–ceramic hybrid coating, is a challenging yet highly desirable goal. The application of these coatings spans various domains such as foldable displays, wearable devices, maritime industries, and biomedical engineering. Particularly, endowing polymer–ceramic hybrid coatings with functions such as transparency, anti-liquid adhesion, anti-biofouling, and self-healing expand their potential in fields necessitating highly protective performance, which have gained significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, our main objective is to provide interested readers with a clear framework for assessment and future exploration of this topic. We systematically outline the fundamentals of functional polymer-ceramic hybrid coatings, explaining their fabrication intricacies. Additionally, we explore their practical applications, intricately tailored to the unique requirements of each field. Concluding our review, we address the key challenges facing modern functional polymer–ceramic coatings and propose potential paths for future advancements.