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Polymers
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Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management
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Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 5544

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Youssef El Bitouri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IMT Mines Alès-Laboratoire Mécanique et Génie Civil, Montpellier, France
Interests: rheology; cement paste; hydration; concrete; bleeding; mechanical behavior of concretes; low carbon cement
Prof. Dr. Didier Perrin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Polymers Composites Hybrids (PCH) Team, Center of Materials—IMT MINES ALES, 6, Avenue de Clavières, F-30319 Alès, France
Interests: study of stryctural/property relationships in multi-phase polymeric systems; applications to control of the life cycle of polymeric materials; development of efficient second life polymer-based materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thanks to their desirable mechanical properties and good resistance to severe and extreme environmental conditions, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials are widely used in many fields, such as the renewable energy, transport, and construction sectors.

These materials have undergone significant development, and existing research has focused on improving their manufacturing process as well as predicting their performance in service.

However, their end-of-life management remains challenging. Although different methods exist, including thermal, chemical, and mechanical recycling, a large amount of these materials are monitored through energy recovery or are sent to landfill. Depending on the type of FRP, each of the available recycling methods displays advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, the incorporation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers into cement-based materials is a very promising end-of-life approach, since it allows for polymers to be recycled in large quantities.

This Special Issue of Polymers aims to provide an overview of recent developments regarding Fiber-Reinforced Polymers, including predictions of their behavior as well as developments in their end-of-life management. Both original research papers and review papers are welcome.

Dr. Youssef El Bitouri
Prof. Dr. Didier Perrin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fiber-reinforced polymer
  • recycling
  • sustainability
  • composites
  • prediction
  • mechanical behavior
  • alternative fiber

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 5285 KB  
Article
Investigating the Structural, Thermal, Electric, Dielectric, and EMI Shielding Properties of Porous Thermoplastic Polyurethane Reinforced with Carbon Fiber/Magnetite Fillers
by Hülya Kaftelen Odabaşı, Ümmühan Kaya, Akın Odabaşı, Selçuk Helhel, Fernando Ruiz-Perez and Felipe Caballero-Briones
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010019 (registering DOI) - 21 Dec 2025
Abstract
In this study, Fe3O4-chopped carbon fiber (CF) fillers with varying CF:Fe3O4 weight ratios (1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1) were fabricated using the wet chemical reduction method. Different weight percentages (1, 3, 7 wt.%) of the CF/Fe3 [...] Read more.
In this study, Fe3O4-chopped carbon fiber (CF) fillers with varying CF:Fe3O4 weight ratios (1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1) were fabricated using the wet chemical reduction method. Different weight percentages (1, 3, 7 wt.%) of the CF/Fe3O4 fillers were used to fabricate lightweight, flexible, and porous thermoplastic polyurethane (p-TPU) composites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Due to its poor electrical and magnetic properties, the TPU matrix alone exhibited negligible shielding effectiveness. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance of TPU composites is greatly affected by the amount of filler materials, the CF/Fe3O4 ratio, and the porous structure, which in turn influence the interfacial interactions between filler and p-TPU matrix. Effective electromagnetic attenuation is achieved by conductive CF network, interfacial polarization at CF/Fe3O4/TPU interfaces, and multiple internal reflections promoted by microstructural heterogeneity and porosity. A maximum EMI shielding effectiveness (SET) of 22.28 dB was achieved for a CF/Fe3O4/p-TPU composite with a filler load of 7 wt.%, a CF:Fe3O4 ratio of 1:1, and a porosity of 15%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
16 pages, 7923 KB  
Article
Modification of Polypropylene Fibers with Sodium Silicate: Enhancement of Pozzolanic Properties in Cement-Based Systems
by Yahya Kaya, Petek Balcı, Süleyman Özen, Ali Mardani and Ali Kara
Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3206; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233206 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 322
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of sodium-silicate-based chemical surface modification of polypropylene (PP) fibers on the mechanical and fresh-state properties of cementitious composites. The proposed method introduces silanol and siloxane groups onto the PP surface through a radical-assisted chlorination route, aiming to enhance [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of sodium-silicate-based chemical surface modification of polypropylene (PP) fibers on the mechanical and fresh-state properties of cementitious composites. The proposed method introduces silanol and siloxane groups onto the PP surface through a radical-assisted chlorination route, aiming to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Modified fibers increased the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) demand by 100% compared to the control mixture, while unmodified PP fibers caused a 58% increase at equivalent workability. The incorporation of PP fibers resulted in limited changes in compressive strength (1-7%), whereas silicate-modified fibers led to notable late-age flexural strength gains of 10% (28 days) and 17% (56 days). Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed successful surface functionalization, while the heterogeneous silicate deposition still contributed positively to interfacial transition zone (ITZ) performance. Overall, sodium-silicate-modified PP fibers improve flexural behavior and interfacial bonding in cement-based systems, offering a promising approach for enhanced mechanical performance and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
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21 pages, 4005 KB  
Article
Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Hybridization and MWCNT Reinforcement on the Solid Particle Erosion of Glass/Carbon Fiber Composites
by Seyit Mehmet Demet
Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182434 - 9 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 896
Abstract
A systematic investigation into the solid particle erosion (SPE) of monolithic, sandwich-type hybrid and multi-scale (Multi Wallet Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced) glass/carbon fiber composites was performed confirming to the ASTM G76-18 standard, utilizing angular alumina erodent (~600 µm) at 34 m/s across key impingement [...] Read more.
A systematic investigation into the solid particle erosion (SPE) of monolithic, sandwich-type hybrid and multi-scale (Multi Wallet Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced) glass/carbon fiber composites was performed confirming to the ASTM G76-18 standard, utilizing angular alumina erodent (~600 µm) at 34 m/s across key impingement angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The analysis reveals a profound performance dichotomy dictated by the governing wear mechanism. At the shear-dominated 30° angle, where maximum material loss was observed, hybridization consistently enhanced erosion resistance relative to both monolithic benchmarks. This synergy, however, contrasts sharply with the nuanced behavior under the 90° impact-dominant regime; here, although strategically hybridizing a brittle CFRP with tougher glass fibers reduced the erosion rate (ER) by a remarkable ~50%, this benefit was compromised by the matrix embrittlement induced by MWCNT incorporation. This work clarifies the difference between shear-dominated erosion in the ductile regime and fracture toughness under impact-dominated conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
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18 pages, 6816 KB  
Article
Development of Graphene/Recycled Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PLA Composites for MEX Printing and Dry Machinability Analysis
by Abdullah Yahia AlFaify, Mustafa Saleh, Saqib Anwar, Abdulrahman M. Al-Ahmari and Abd Elaty E. AbdElgawad
Polymers 2025, 17(17), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17172372 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1406
Abstract
Material extrusion (MEX) is an additive manufacturing process used for 3D printing thermoplastic-based polymers, including single polymers, blends, and reinforced polymer composites (RPCs). RPCs are highly valued in various industries for their exceptional properties. The surface finish of RPC MEX-printed parts is high [...] Read more.
Material extrusion (MEX) is an additive manufacturing process used for 3D printing thermoplastic-based polymers, including single polymers, blends, and reinforced polymer composites (RPCs). RPCs are highly valued in various industries for their exceptional properties. The surface finish of RPC MEX-printed parts is high due to the process-related layering nature and the materials’ properties. This study explores RPC development for MEX printing and the potential of dry milling post-processing to enhance the MEX-printed part’s surface quality. RPC MEX filaments were developed by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and/or recycled-carbon fibers (rCFs) into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The filaments, including pure PLA and various GNPs-PLA composites, rCF-PLA, and rCF-GNPs-PLA, were developed through ball mill mixing and melt extrusion. Tensile tests were performed to assess the mechanical properties of the developed materials. Dry milling post-processing was carried out to assess the machinability, with the aim of enhancing the MEX-printed part’s surface quality. The results revealed that adding GNPs into PLA showed no considerable enhancements in the tensile properties of the fabricated RPCs, which is contrary to several existing studies. Dry milling showed an enhanced surface quality of MEX-printed parts in terms of surface roughness (Sa and Sz) and the absence of defects such as delamination and layer lines. Adding GNPs into PLA facilitated the dry machining of PLA, resulting in reduced surface asperities compared to pure PLA. Also, there was no observation of pulled-out, realigned, or naked rCFs, which indicates good machinability. Adding GNPs also suppressed the formation of voids around the rCFs during the dry milling. This study provides insights into machining 3D-printed polymer composites to enhance their surface quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
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17 pages, 12273 KB  
Article
Mechanical Characterization of Graphene-Enhanced Fiber Rope Composites for Strengthening-Oriented Applications
by Ahmet E. Haberdar, Volkan Acar and Ferit Cakir
Polymers 2025, 17(17), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17172304 - 26 Aug 2025
Viewed by 894
Abstract
Achieving high mechanical performance in fiber-reinforced composites is essential for developing reliable and sustainable strengthening systems that aim to enhance service life and reduce the waste of resources. In particular, fiber rope composites, with their inherent flexibility and excellent structural properties, offer significant [...] Read more.
Achieving high mechanical performance in fiber-reinforced composites is essential for developing reliable and sustainable strengthening systems that aim to enhance service life and reduce the waste of resources. In particular, fiber rope composites, with their inherent flexibility and excellent structural properties, offer significant potential as reinforcement elements in strengthening applications. The mechanical properties of these composites could be further enhanced using a remarkably basic and fundamental method. In this study, this fundamental and effective method, nanoparticle modification, is presented at its most basic level. This research presents an experimental investigation into the mechanical behavior of 8 mm diameter carbon, basalt, and glass fiber rope composites, produced in both unmodified and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-modified forms. GNPs were reinforced into an epoxy matrix at weight fractions of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% to enhance the mechanical properties of the fiber rope composites. Fiber rope composites were fabricated using controlled mixing, molding, and curing techniques. Subsequently, a series of mechanical tests, including flexural, compressive, and buckling tests, were conducted to evaluate the impact of nanoparticle reinforcement on structural performance. The findings reveal that GNP modification leads to notable improvements in mechanical properties, suggesting that such enhanced composites may contribute to more resilient and long-lasting strengthening solutions. These results underscore the relevance of nanoparticle-enhanced composites in the context of material efficiency and end-of-life considerations in structural systems, particularly through extended usability and improved performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
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Review

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22 pages, 1982 KB  
Review
A Review on the Valorization of Recycled Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (rGFRP) in Mortar and Concrete: A Sustainable Alternative to Landfilling
by Mohamed Wendlassida Kaboré, Didier Perrin, Rachida Idir, Patrick Ienny, Éric Garcia-Diaz and Youssef El Bitouri
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192664 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
The recycling of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) in cementitious materials is an interesting way of managing the end of life of this type of material. As the solutions of landfilling and incinerating have reached their limits, the material recovery by recycling approach appears [...] Read more.
The recycling of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) in cementitious materials is an interesting way of managing the end of life of this type of material. As the solutions of landfilling and incinerating have reached their limits, the material recovery by recycling approach appears to be suitable to develop cement-based materials with enhanced properties. Different recycling methods, including mechanical, thermal and chemical recycling, are commonly used for the recovery of fibers and resins. Mechanical recycling is more suitable due to its low cost and ease of implementation. Moreover, mechanical recycling has limited environmental impact and is ideal for use with cementitious materials (fiber and resin). Several studies are being conducted to find the best incorporation method, notably the incorporation of recycled GFRP of different sizes (small, medium, large and coarse) and shapes (fibrous, cubic, random) as a substitute for sand and/or aggregate in mortars and concretes or as reinforcement materials. This article aims to establish a state of the art perspective on the incorporation of rGFRP into cement-based materials. The benefits of this incorporation are highlighted as well as the limitations. The various challenges to be overcome to make this incorporation useful from a practical point of view are reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Their End-of-Life Management)
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