A comprehensive review on mechanical performance and environmental resilience of fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs), focusing on the enhancement of their mechanical properties and environmental resilience. This paper classifies key fiber types, such as glass, carbon, aramid, and basalt, and discusses their contributions to composite strength, stiffness, and durability. he paper highlights how manufacturing route and curing quality (e.g. hand lay-up, VARTM/RTM, pultrusion, prepreg/autoclave, and optimized compression molding) govern void content, fiber volume fraction, interlaminar consolidation, and interphase integrity, thereby strongly influencing tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, fatigue, and impact responses. The critical role of the fiber-matrix interface is examined, with surface modification techniques and nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, highlighted for their impact on tensile, flexural, and shear properties. Environmental challenges, such as moisture absorption, chemical degradation, thermal aging, and UV exposure, are also addressed, with mitigation strategies such as surface coatings and modified resin systems. By integrating advanced interfacial engineering with environmental resilience techniques, this review outlines pathways for developing next-generation FRPCs for aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil infrastructure applications, while aligning with global sustainability goals.