Wind turbine blades, made primarily of glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP), are challenging to recycle due to their permanent curing process. As older turbines reach the end of their lifespan, disposal of these blades has become a critical issue. Researchers at Washington State University have developed an eco-friendly method to recycle turbine blades without harsh chemicals. The process involves soaking the GFRP in a low-toxicity organic salt with superheated water, then breaking it down into smaller pieces. The recovered components are then repurposed to create stronger plastics. The researchers used a mild zinc acetate solution to recover glass fibers and resins, and added the recycled materials to thermoplastics to create composite materials with up to 70% recycled fibers. The resulting material can be used to reinforce plastics, making it a sustainable solution for recycling turbine blades.
Revolutionary recycling tech transforms wind turbine waste into ultra-durable polymer materials
