Smart coatings are formulations that are able to respond to various performance challenges due to changes in the coating's environment after application. These challenges may include color changes, self-cleaning, hygienic functions and self-healing due to physical damage.
Key to these coating performance characteristics is the combination of additives that have been integrated into a formulation in such a way that the desired properties are exhibited as required. Although not always optimum in their global application, additives that control pigment color characteristics, resin chemical reactivity, the controlled release of chemical components, and film electrochemical characteristics represent general descriptions for the function of these additives.