Scalable β-Aminoester-Based Covalent Adaptable Networks for Wind Turbine Blade Composites
Susanne M. Fischer, Ives De Baere, Loc Tan Nguyen, Harald Stecher, Wim Van Paepegem, Filip Du Prez
Abstract
Wind turbine blades pose a major recycling challenge due to their complex composition of thermoset polymers embedded in fiber-reinforced composites. This study presents a cost-effective and scalable approach using covalent adaptable networks based on β-aminoester curing agents for epoxy resins, specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the wind turbine blade industry. The formulation offers low mixed viscosity (<100 mPa·s) and customizable pot life of up to more than 5 h and provides glass transition temperatures of above 75 °C and tensile stiffness exceeding 2.8 GPa. Furthermore, the successful reshaping of glass fiber-reinforced composites, produced by vacuum-assisted resin infusion, and the feasibility of chemically degrading the polymer matrix with acetic acid have been demonstrated. The herein-presented approach holds promise for advancing sustainable practices in wind energy infrastructure.