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Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2026) | Viewed by 5993

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour

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Guest Editor

College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA, Australia
Interests: co-friendly and sustainable composites; waste-based concrete; nanocomposite; lightweight foam composite; high-performance and ultra-high performance composite; fiber-reinforced polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mohammad Valizadeh Kiamahalleh

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Guest Editor

College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Interests: construction materials; waste-based concrete; geopolymers; composites incorporating recycled materials; eco-friendly and sustainable composites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, fiber-reinforced polymers and composites have garnered significant attention in various areas, including automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction applications. This Special Issue of Materials is dedicated to showcasing the recent advances in the experimental investigation and computational modeling of fiber-reinforced polymers and composites. We welcome the submission of papers addressing cutting-edge issues in the research and application of polymers and composites containing internal fibers, as well as their various applications. The topics included in this Special Issue include but are not limited to the mechanical, durability, thermal, fire microstructural, and long-term properties of composites manufactured using different types of internal fibers (including recycled, natural, and synthetic fibers) and nanomaterials. Both original contributions and reviews will be accepted.

Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour
Dr. Mohammad Valizadeh Kiamahalleh
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. Materials 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 2600 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 polymers
fiber-reinforced composites
internal fibers
durability properties
thermal properties
mechanical properties
fire resistance
nanofibers
natural fibers
recycled fibers
synthetic fibers
modeling
concrete
microstructure

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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24 pages, 5476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Axial–Flexural Performance of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Columns: Effects of Axial Load Ratio and Steel Fiber Volume Fraction

by Sang-Woo Kim, In-Ho Park, Seungwook Seok, Wonchang Choi and Jinsup Kim

Materials 2026, 19(5), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051014 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 303

Abstract

This study investigates the axial–flexural behavior of steel fiber–reinforced concrete (SFRC) columns under combined constant axial load and monotonic lateral loading. Nine column specimens with different axial load ratios (0.0, 0.10, and 0.20) and steel fiber contents (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) were tested under monotonic loading to evaluate their failure modes, load–deflection behavior, ductility, and energy absorption capacity. In addition, a sectional P–M interaction analysis was performed to examine the influence of steel fiber inclusion on flexural strength under different axial compression levels. The interaction diagrams indicated that steel fibers expanded the flexural strength envelope, with a more pronounced enhancement in the low-axial-load region. The test results revealed that increasing the axial load ratio enhanced the specimens’ peak load capacity but reduced their ductility, leading to a brittle failure mode. Conversely, the incorporation of steel fiber improved the crack distribution, delayed crack propagation, and enhanced both ductility and energy absorption, particularly under moderate axial load conditions. The failure modes were characterized generally by flexural cracking and localized crushing in the compression zone, with the specimens that contained steel fiber exhibiting a more gradual post-peak load response than the specimens without steel fiber. The energy absorption capacity, quantified as the area under the load–deflection curve, was maximized when the axial load ratio of 0.10 was used in tandem with steel fiber reinforcement, indicating an optimal balance between strength and ductility. Overall, steel fiber inclusion improved deformation capacity and energy absorption under monotonic loading, particularly at low-to-moderate axial load ratios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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27 pages, 20638 KB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Fire Axial Compressive Behavior of Circular GFRP Tube-Confined Concrete Short Columns

by Yiwei Tang, Liu Yang, Ni Zhang, Yali Feng and Jixiang Li

Materials 2026, 19(3), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030634 - 6 Feb 2026

Viewed by 357

Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the residual axial compression behavior of circular glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) tube-confined concrete short columns (CFGFT) after exposure to elevated temperatures. A total of 27 specimens were fabricated and tested under axial compression, with key parameters including GFRP tube wall thickness (5, 8, and 10 mm), exposure temperature (100, 150, 200, and 300 °C), and constant temperature duration (60 and 120 min). The results show that the load–displacement responses of CFGFT short columns after elevated temperature exposure exhibit distinct two-stage characteristics, culminating in brittle failure at the ultimate axial capacity. Wall thickness significantly influences the failure modes of the specimens, while elevated temperatures increase the occurrence of unfavorable failure modes. Temperature is identified as the primary factor governing the degradation of residual axial capacity and initial stiffness, with performance deterioration becoming more pronounced at temperatures exceeding 200 °C. In contrast, the effect of constant temperature duration within the range of 60–120 min is relatively limited. Based on the experimental results, a simplified binary quadratic regression model incorporating the coupled effects of temperature and wall thickness is proposed to predict the post-fire axial capacity reduction factor (Kr), with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.901. These findings provide experimental evidence and a practical predictive approach for the fire-resistant design and post-fire safety assessment of CFGFT members. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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15 pages, 1867 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simplified Fracture Mechanics Analysis at the Zinc–Adhesive Interface in Galvanized Steel–CFRP Single-Lap Joints

by Maciej Adam Dybizbański and Katarzyna Rzeszut

Materials 2025, 18(21), 5038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18215038 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 636

Abstract

Adhesively bonded joints between galvanized steel and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are critical in modern lightweight structures, but their performance is often limited by failure at the zinc–adhesive interface. This study presents a parametric analysis to investigate the influence of key geometric parameters on interfacial cracking in a single-lap joint (SLJ) configuration, employing a simplified analytical methodology based on Interface Fracture Mechanics (IFM). The model combines the Goland–Reissner approach for estimating crack-tip loads with highly simplified, constant shape functions to calculate the energy release rate (

G_{i n t}

) and phase angle (

ψ

). To provide a practical reference, experimental data from shear tests on S350 GD galvanized steel bonded to CFRP were used to estimate the range of interfacial fracture toughness for this material system. The parametric results demonstrate that, for a constant load, increasing the overlap length reduces the crack driving force (

G_{i n t}

), while increasing the adhesive thickness raises it. Crucially, the model indicates that a thicker adhesive layer shifts the fracture mode from shear- to opening-dominated, a trend consistent with the established mechanics of SLJs, where increased joint rotation amplifies peel stresses. The study concludes that while the use of constant shape functions limits the model’s quantitative accuracy, this simplified analytical framework effectively captures the qualitative influence of key geometric parameters on the joint’s fracture behavior. It serves as a valuable and resource-efficient tool for preliminary design explorations and for interpreting experimentally observed failure trends in galvanized steel–CFRP joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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25 pages, 9904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Fiber Content and Orientation in Prefabricated Slab Elements Made of UHPFRC: Non-Destructive, Destructive, and CT Scanning Methods

by Petr Konrád, Karel Künzel, Přemysl Kheml, Michal Mára, Kristýna Carrera, Libor Beránek, Lucie Hlavůňková, Jindřich Fornůsek, Petr Konvalinka and Radoslav Sovják

Materials 2025, 18(21), 4843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18214843 - 23 Oct 2025

Viewed by 689

Abstract

This study investigates fiber content and orientation in prefabricated slab elements made of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), using novel non-destructive measurement using a coil’s quality factor, where the coil is put to one side of the specimen only. This allows the analysis of slab specimens of arbitrary size. That then allows an accurate quality control of elements made in the prefabrication industry. This study presents an experimental campaign designed to evaluate the non-destructive principle’s accuracy and practical feasibility. Twenty-five large slab specimens were made in an industrial prefabrication plant using various casting methods to introduce different flow-induced fiber parameters. The slabs were subjected to this non-destructive testing, then destructive bending tests and CT scanning to tie the results together and validate the non-destructive results. The results showed that the coil’s quality factor values correspond well to the distribution (concentration) and orientation of fibers, and the method reliably reveals potential defects of the material and can predict the element’s mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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30 pages, 6288 KB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis of 3D-Printed Gears: Evaluating Mechanical Behaviour Through Numerical Modelling

by Costin Nicolae Ilincă, Ibrahim Naim Ramadan, Adrian Neacșa, Marius Gabriel Petrescu and Eugen Victor Laudacescu

Materials 2025, 18(19), 4530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194530 - 29 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1829

Abstract

In the course of the 3D printing process, the occurrence of imperfect structures is attributable to the rapid cooling of molten polymer. In this study, gears were manufactured from PA6 using a dedicated 3D printer, and their performance was analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA), validated by wear tests. A subset of the gears was subjected to annealing heat treatments to investigate their influence on the behavior of the material. The novelty of this study lies in the correlation of the effects induced by heat treatment with the stress distribution, wear, and service life of 3D-printed gears. This provides useful information for optimizing polymer gears for engineering applications. This study’s novelty lies in highlighting the influence of heat treatments on wear behaviour and mechanical stress factors, offering new insights into the optimisation of 3D-printed polymer gears. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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13 pages, 2951 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Novel Composite Core Using Powdered Macadamia Nutshell and Its Sandwich Structures for Building and Other Engineering Applications

by Md Mainul Islam, Sutirtha Chowdhury and Md Sefat Khan

Materials 2025, 18(18), 4369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184369 - 18 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 897

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns and the depletion of fossil-based resources have accelerated the demand for sustainable alternatives in engineering and construction materials. Among these, bio-based composites have gained attention for their use of renewable and eco-friendly resources. Macadamia nutshells, typically treated as agricultural waste, possess high strength, brittleness, heat resistance, and fracture toughness, making them attractive candidates for structural applications. Australia alone contributes nearly 40% of global macadamia production, generating significant shell by-products that could be repurposed into high-value composites. This study investigates the development of novel composite cores and sandwich structures using macadamia nutshell particles reinforced in an epoxy polymer matrix. Two weight ratios (10% and 15%) and two particle sizes (200–600 µm and 1–1.18 mm) were employed, combined with laminating epoxy resin and hardener to fabricate composite cores. These cores were further processed into sandwich specimens with carbon fabric skins. Flexural and short beam shear (SBS) tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the composites. The results demonstrate that higher filler content with fine particles achieved up to 15% higher flexural strength and 18% higher stiffness compared to coarser particle composites. Sandwich structures exhibited markedly improved interlaminar shear strength (8–15 MPa), confirming superior load transfer and durability. The results demonstrate that higher filler content and finer particles provided the most favourable mechanical performance, showing higher flexural strength, stiffness, and shear resistance compared to coarser particle formulations. Sandwich structures significantly outperformed core-only composites due to improved load transfer and resistance to bending and shear stresses, with the 15% fine-particle configuration emerging as the optimal formulation. By transforming macadamia nutshells into value-added composites, this research highlights an innovative pathway for waste utilisation, reduced environmental impact, and sustainable material development. The findings suggest that such composites hold strong potential for structural applications in construction and related engineering fields, especially in regions with abundant macadamia production. This study reinforces the role of agricultural by-products as practical solutions for advancing green composites and contributing to circular economy principles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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27 pages, 5072 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Mechanical Properties of Optimal Water-Containing Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Under Triaxial Stress Conditions

by Kaide Liu, Songxin Zhao, Yaru Guo, Wenping Yue, Chaowei Sun, Yu Xia, Qiyu Wang and Xinping Wang

Materials 2025, 18(14), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143358 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 719

Abstract

In response to the high-performance requirements of concrete materials under complex triaxial stress states and water-containing environments in marine engineering, this study focuses on water-containing basalt fiber-reinforced concrete (BFRC). Uniaxial compression and splitting tensile tests were conducted on specimens with different fiber contents (0.0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) to determine the optimal fiber content of 0.1%. The compressive strength of the concrete with this fiber content increased by 13.5% compared to the control group without fiber, reaching 36.90 MPa, while the tensile strength increased by 15.9%, reaching 2.33 MPa. Subsequently, NMR and SEM techniques were employed to analyze the internal pore structure and micro-morphology of BFRC. It was found that an appropriate amount of basalt fiber (content of 0.1%) can optimize the pore structure and form a reticular three-dimensional structure. The pore grading was also improved, with the total porosity decreasing from 7.48% to 7.43%, the proportion of harmless pores increasing from 4.03% to 4.87%, and the proportion of harmful pores decreasing from 1.67% to 1.42%, thereby significantly enhancing the strength of the concrete. Further triaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of BFRC under different confining pressures (0, 3, and 6 MPa) and water contents (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4.16%). The results showed that the stress–strain curves primarily underwent four stages: initial crack compaction, elastic deformation, yielding, and failure. In terms of mechanical properties, when the confining pressure increased from 0 MPa to 6 MPa, taking dry sandstone as an example, the peak stress increased by 54.0%, the elastic modulus increased by 15.7%, the peak strain increased by 37.0%, and the peak volumetric strain increased by 80.0%. In contrast, when the water content increased from 0% to 4.16%, taking a confining pressure of 0 MPa as an example, the peak stress decreased by 27.4%, the elastic modulus decreased by 43.2%, the peak strain decreased by 59.3%, and the peak volumetric strain decreased by 106.7%. Regarding failure characteristics, the failure mode shifted from longitudinal splitting under no confining pressure to diagonal shear under confining pressure. Moreover, as the confining pressure increased, the degree of failure became more severe, with more extensive cracks. However, when the water content increased, the failure degree was relatively mild, but it gradually worsened with further increases in water content. Based on the CDP model, a numerical model for simulating the triaxial compression behavior of BFRC was developed. The simulation results exhibited strong consistency with the experimental data, thereby validating the accuracy and applicability of the model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Composites—Second Edition)

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