Future trends in surface engineering and challenges

Surface engineering finds various applications in industries. Recent developments in surface modification techniques enable the extent of surface treatment applications. Although new developments toward precise operation, low cost, and simplified processes, the challenges remain toward minimization of environmentally hazardous effects. In the present study, recent advancements in various surface treatment processes and challenges of the individual processes introduced are discussed. The categories of surface treatment processes include Additive manufacturing coatings, Nanocoatings, Thermal spray coatings, Multifunctional coatings, Biomimetic Coatings, Graphene and 2D materials-based coatings, and Digitalization of the coating process. In addition, the future trends of surface treatment methods are discussed.