The nanocoatings holding back corrosion

Rusted metal sheet

Source: © plainpicture/Nordic Life/Terje Rakke

Corrosion is an age-old problem, but some of the latest solutions are distinctly 21st century. Rachel Brazil reports

Thermodynamics means corrosion costs the world over $2 trillion, but what solutions does chemistry offer? Rachel Brazil looks at the smart polymer coatings, graphene and microgels that are trying to save our metals