A composite article includes a substrate and a protective coating on at least a portion of the substrate. The protective coating includes reinforcement particles dispersed within an elastomeric matrix that is modified with a silicon-containing modifier selected from polysilsesquioxane, polyhedral oligomeric silicate, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and combinations thereof. The reinforcement particles are selected from carbon, nickel metal, and combinations thereof. The protective coating is multi-layered and includes a distinct first layer and a distinct second layer that is contiguous with the distinct first layer such that each of the distinct first layer and the distinct second layer have an exposed outer surface.