Comprehensive review on the development of ceramic coating with carbon nanotube (CNT) with excellent bonding

Abstract Ceramic coatings are widely employed in defense applications due to their exceptional hardness, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and lightweight protective capabilities. Nevertheless, their practical performance is often constrained by inadequate interfacial bonding, intrinsic brittleness, and degradation under severe thermal and mechanical conditions. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has emerged as an effective strategy to overcome these limitations. CNT reinforcement enhances ceramic coatings through nanoscale toughening mechanisms, including crack bridging, crack deflection, and pull-out, while simultaneously improving electrical conductivity and thermal transport properties. Recent developments demonstrate that CNT integration into ceramic systems such as alumina, zirconia, titania, silica, magnesia, and zinc oxide significantly improves fracture toughness, adhesion strength, and durability. These multifunctional enhancements are highly relevant to advanced defense technologies, including aerospace propulsion components, ballistic protection systems, marine infrastructures, and military electronics. This review critically examines recent progress in CNT-reinforced ceramic coatings, with particular emphasis on interfacial bonding strategies, mechanical performance, processing techniques, and multifunctional behavior. The discussion outlines current challenges and future prospects, positioning CNT-ceramic coatings as promising next-generation materials for high-performance military and protective applications.