a method of repairing an affected area of a component of a fiber - reinforced polymer composite , especially having elongate or continuous reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix , is disclosed . the method includes : providing a controlled atmosphere around the affected area of the component ; heating the component in the affected area within the controlled atmosphere to cause pyrolysis or depolymerization of the polymer matrix in the affected area and thereby to remove the polymer matrix from the affected area ; introducing polymer resin into a space left by the pyrolyzed or depolymerized matrix to refill the affected area .