Enhancing Epoxy Composite Performance with Carbon Nanofillers: A Solution for Moisture Resistance and Extended Durability in Wind Turbine Blade Structures
Angelos Ntaflos,
Georgios Foteinidis,
Theodora Liangou,
Elias Bilalis,
Konstantinos Anyfantis,
Nicholas Tsouvalis,
Thomais Tyriakidi,
Kosmas Tyriakidis,
Nikolaos Tyriakidis,
Alkiviadis S. Paipetis
Affiliations
Angelos Ntaflos
CSMLab, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Georgios Foteinidis
CSMLab, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Theodora Liangou
Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory, Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografos, Greece
Elias Bilalis
Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory, Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografos, Greece
Konstantinos Anyfantis
Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory, Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografos, Greece
Nicholas Tsouvalis
Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory, Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografos, Greece
Thomais Tyriakidi
B&T Composites, Agrokthma Florina AA 1834, 53100 Florina, Greece
Kosmas Tyriakidis
B&T Composites, Agrokthma Florina AA 1834, 53100 Florina, Greece
Nikolaos Tyriakidis
B&T Composites, Agrokthma Florina AA 1834, 53100 Florina, Greece
Alkiviadis S. Paipetis
CSMLab, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
The increasing prominence of glass-fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRPs) in the wind energy industry, due to their exceptional combination of strength, low weight, and resistance to corrosion, makes them an ideal candidate for enhancing the performance and durability of wind turbine blades. The unique properties of GFRPs not only contribute to reduced energy costs through improved aerodynamic efficiency but also extend the operational lifespan of wind turbines. By modifying the epoxy resin with carbon nanofillers, an even higher degree of performance can be achieved. In this work, graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-enhanced GFRPs are produced through industrial methods (filament winding) and coupons are extracted and tested for their mechanical performance after harsh environmental aging in high temperature and moisture. GNPs enhance the in-plane shear strength of GFRP by 200%, while reducing their water uptake by as much as 40%.