From Passive Filling to Active Energy Dissipation: Evolution, Mechanisms, and Application Prospects of Impact Absorption and Damping Coatings in Modern Sports Protective Gear

The rapid development of modern sports has placed higher demands on athlete protection. Traditional protective gear relying on passive energy dissipation through bulk materials such as foam and gel suffers from limitations like large volume and poor adaptability, driving the evolution of protection technology toward active and intelligent solutions. Impact absorption and damping coating technology, which integrates advanced functional materials in thin-film form onto the surface of protective gear, has achieved a paradigm shift in protective performance and is advancing toward lightweight, intelligent, and customizable designs. This review first systematically elaborates on the working principles and performance regulation mechanisms of novel coating systems centered on shear-thickening fluids, polymer gels, microstructural biomimetics, and phase-change materials. Secondly, it deeply analyzes the application modes and protective efficacy improvements of these technologies in specific scenarios such as helmets, joint protectors, and smart clothing. Furthermore, it explores the complex interaction mechanisms between coatings and human tissues under dynamic impact. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future trends in the evolution of this technology toward multifunctional integration, dynamic adaptability, and precise personalized design, aiming to provide a systematic reference for interdisciplinary innovation in fields such as materials science, biomechanics, and sports medicine.