In order to obtain sustainable engineering systems, this research investigates surface and interface properties of metals and active nanostructured coatings. The goal is to develop new approaches in order to improve the corrosion resistance and obtain knowledge in reconstruction of worn and/or corroded surfaces. The research will focus on high carbon steels as the substrate. These materials are used in most of industries and vehicles like aircrafts and automobiles. For anti-corrosion and self-healing applications, the layer-by-layered (LBL) coatings consisting photo-catalytic materials, the corrosion inhibitor, and the polyelectrolyte will be studied. Potential dynamic tests will be carried out in order to characterize the corrosion potential and current. For wear study, we will develop a metallic composite that has several functions, such as corrosion and wear protection, refresh or reverse worn or corroded surface. Characterization techniques used include optical microscope, surface interferometer, tribometer and the hardness tester. The ultimate goal of this research is to understand several types of problems on metal surface, such as corrosion and wear, and explore the possible ways to reduce those by using active nano-structured composite coating on metal surface.