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

doi:10.3390/ma17020524

Materials (Jan 2024)

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

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020524
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 17, no. 2
p. 524

Abstract

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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%.

Published in Materials

ISSN: 1996-1944 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering; Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); Science: Natural history (General): Microscopy; Science: Physics: Descriptive and experimental mechanics
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/

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