As technology becomes more complex, the need for coatings for specialised functions continues to increase. The electronics industry, for example, makes demands on the coating industry for both conductive and insulative coatings. Highly temperature‐resistant coatings played a key role in the aerospace industry. Fire retardant coatings contribute to consumer safety, and coatings for plastics serve a number of protective and decorative functions. The list could be extended appreciably. Some of its newer components will be described here.