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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article

Recent Progress in Near-Surface Mounted Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Strengthening Systems: Composite Materials, Adhesive Technologies, and Interfacial Bonding

  1. R. Chitra Department of Civil Engineering, Bharath Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
  2. M. Ruban Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies
  3. Zealakshmi.D Department of Civil Engineering, Royal College of Engineering and Technology, Thrissur
  4. P. Vasanthi Department of Civil Engineering, Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai
  5. B. Vijaya Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. MGR. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as one of the most promising classes of advanced engineering materials for structural strengthening and rehabilitation owing to their high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance, fatigue durability, and design flexibility. Among various strengthening approaches, near-surface mounted (NSM) systems have gained significant attention because they provide enhanced bond performance, improved protection against environmental exposure, and superior utilization of FRP reinforcement compared with conventional externally bonded techniques. The effectiveness of NSM systems is strongly governed by the interaction between FRP composite reinforcements, polymer-based adhesive materials, and the surrounding concrete substrate.

This review presents a comprehensive assessment of recent advances in FRP composite materials, polymer adhesive technologies, and interfacial bonding mechanisms employed in NSM strengthening systems. Particular attention is devoted to the material characteristics of carbon, glass, basalt, and aramid fiber-reinforced polymer composites, including their manufacturing processes, polymer matrix systems, microstructural features, and mechanical performance. Furthermore, recent developments in epoxy-based, cementitious-polymer hybrid, and nano-modified adhesive systems are critically examined with respect to bond formation, stress transfer efficiency, and durability enhancement. The influence of environmental exposure, moisture ingress, thermal aging, freeze–thaw cycles, and chemical degradation on the long-term performance of composite–adhesive–concrete interfaces is also discussed.

In addition, emerging research trends involving sustainable composite materials, bio-based polymers, recycled fibers, smart sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence-assisted predictive modeling are reviewed. Existing knowledge gaps related to durability assessment, interfacial characterization, standardization of testing methodologies, and large-scale implementation are identified. The review highlights future opportunities for developing next-generation NSM composite systems with improved sustainability, durability, and structural reliability. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers, material scientists, and practicing engineers involved in the development and application of advanced polymer composite strengthening technologies.

Keywords

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