Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs): Composite Systems and Structural Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have emerged as one of the most influential classes of composite materials in modern engineering due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, design flexibility, and durability. Over the past few decades, FRPs have been increasingly adopted as reinforcement materials across a wide range of applications, including civil infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, marine, and energy sectors. Their ability to enhance structural performance while reducing weight and maintenance demands has positioned FRPs as a key enabler for sustainable and resilient engineering solutions.

In the field of structural reinforcement, FRP systems such as carbon, glass, basalt, and aramid fiber-reinforced polymers have demonstrated significant advantages over conventional steel reinforcement. These materials offer superior resistance to environmental degradation, making them particularly attractive for strengthening and retrofitting aging infrastructure exposed to harsh conditions. Externally bonded FRP laminates, near-surface mounted systems, and hybrid reinforcement strategies have shown remarkable effectiveness in improving load-bearing capacity, ductility, fatigue resistance, and seismic performance of structural elements.

Despite substantial progress, the widespread implementation of FRP-reinforced systems still faces several scientific and technical challenges. These include long-term durability and aging behavior, interfacial bonding mechanisms, fire performance, recyclability, and the development of reliable design models and standards. Furthermore, advances in manufacturing techniques, nano- and multiscale reinforcement, bio-based polymers, and smart or multifunctional FRP composites continue to open new research directions that demand rigorous experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigation.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Composites Science, entitled ‘Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs): Composite Systems and Structural Applications’ aims to provide a comprehensive platform for presenting recent advances, innovative methodologies, and emerging trends in FRP-based reinforcement technologies. By bringing together contributions from materials science, mechanics, and structural engineering, this Issue seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the development of high-performance, durable, and sustainable composite reinforcement solutions to catalyze innovations across numerous sectors. In civil engineering, FRPs are revolutionizing the repair and strengthening of aging infrastructure, offering minimally invasive and highly effective solutions for the seismic retrofitting of bridges, buildings, and other critical structures. The Special Issue will be of interest to researchers, engineers, and practitioners working on the design, analysis, fabrication, and application of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in reinforcement and strengthening systems.

This Special Issue aims to present recent scientific and technological advances in the use of composite systems and structural applications as reinforcement materials in composite systems and structural applications. The focus is on understanding the material behavior, reinforcement mechanisms, processing techniques, and performance of FRP-based reinforcement solutions at different length scales, from constituent materials to full structural systems. The scope of this Special Issue is closely aligned with the Journal of Composites Science, which publishes original research on composite materials, including their design, manufacturing, characterization, modeling, and applications. Reinforcement with fiber-reinforced polymers represents a core topic within composite science, as it integrates material development, fiber–matrix interactions, interfacial behavior, and mechanical performance under various loading and environmental conditions.

This Special Issue will emphasize fundamental and applied research addressing the mechanical, physical, and durability-related aspects of FRP reinforcement. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the development of advanced FRP materials, innovative reinforcement strategies, experimental and numerical investigation of reinforced composite systems, and performance evaluation under service conditions such as fatigue, impact, fire, and environmental exposure. Particular attention will be given to sustainability-related issues, including life-cycle assessment, durability, recyclability, and the use of bio-based or hybrid fiber-reinforced polymers. By concentrating on reinforcement mechanisms and performance rather than on a single application field, the Special Issue maintains a well-defined yet sufficiently broad scope that is consistent with the interdisciplinary nature of the Journal of Composites Science. By dedicating a focused Issue to FRP systems and their structural applications, the Journal of Composites Science reinforces its position as a leading forum for cutting-edge research that translates fundamental scientific principles into tangible engineering solutions, thereby contributing significantly to its readership and the broader scientific community.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. Contributions focusing on both fundamental and applied aspects of reinforcement with fiber-reinforced polymers are encouraged. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design and development of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials for reinforcement applications.
• Mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of FRP-reinforced composite systems.
• Fiber–matrix interactions and interfacial bonding in FRP reinforcement.
• Experimental characterization and testing methods for FRP-reinforced materials and structures.
• Numerical modeling, analytical approaches, and multiscale simulations of FRP reinforcement systems.
• Durability, aging, and long-term performance of FRP reinforcement under environmental exposure.
• Fatigue, impact, and fracture behavior of FRP-reinforced composites.
• Fire, thermal, and high-temperature performance of FRP reinforcement.
• Hybrid and multifunctional FRP reinforcement systems.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly FRP materials, including bio-based fibers and matrices.
• Manufacturing techniques and processing methods for FRP reinforcement.
• Repair, strengthening, and retrofitting strategies using FRP composites.
• Life-cycle assessment, recyclability, and environmental impact of FRP-reinforced systems.
• FRP composites for renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
• Joining and assembly of FRP structures.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for high-quality contributions that advance the scientific understanding and practical implementation of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement technologies. Both experimental and theoretical studies, as well as state-of-the-art reviews that critically assess recent progress and future research directions, are highly encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Şemsettin Kilinçarslan
Prof. Dr. Gebrail Bektaş
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• composite materials
• reinforcement
• FRP
• structural