A comprehensive review about the evolution of corrosion protection strategies for oil and gas pipelines with nanotechnology-driven advanced coating systems

Production Engineering & Metallurgy College, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq

Published online: 24 June 2026

Abstract

Corrosion remains a critical challenge in oil and gas pipelines, due to its significant impact on operational safety, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. This review comprehensively reviews the evolution of corrosion protection strategies, from traditional practices to modern approaches, focusing on studies published between 2013 and 2024, particularly those concerned with the protection of low-carbon steel pipelines. The review systematically classifies various protection technologies, including polymeric coatings, nanocomposite coatings, surface modification techniques, inhibitors, and corrosion monitoring and prediction methods. It highlights emerging technologies such as nanotechnology-based coatings, plasma electrochemical oxidation (PEO), and smart coatings, as well as computational modeling methods that enhance corrosion resistance in harsh environments such as marine water, acidic environments, and particulate-filled (slurry) flow conditions. Advanced materials—such as polyurethanes, polyesters, epoxy, ZnO/NiO nanoparticles, ZIF-8(Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8)nanosheets, and plasma-applied coatings—show improved corrosion resistance. Comparative tables summarize the key findings, while schematic diagrams illustrate the different protection mechanisms. Current knowledge gaps indicate that future research should focus on integrating smart polymers with nanotechnology to develop multifunctional coating systems that offer high durability and long-lasting economic efficiency. In addition, recent advances in nanotechnology, including nano-engineered coatings, nanosensors for corrosion monitoring, and machine learning-assisted nanoscale modeling, provide new opportunities for improving prediction accuracy, coating performance, and long-term durability in harsh environments.