SELECTION OF FIBERGLASS MATRIX RESINS FOR INCREASED TOUGHNESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESISTANCE IN WIND TURBINE BLADES

摘要

The DOE/MSU Fatigue Database has been expanded to include a number of matrix resins of potential interest in wind turbine blades. The main considerations in resin selection have been to increase the structural integrity (such as delamination resistance) in blades while maintaining or improving other mechanical properties, particularly under hot, wet conditions. The resins included in the study are also appropriate for the wind turbine blade application in terms of cost and processing characteristics (all materials were prepared by resin transfer molding). Resins included unsaturated polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxies, and a urethane. Mechanical properties have been obtained for wet and dry specimens tested at temperatures from -20 to 70°C. Fatigue, delamination resistance (Mode I and II crack growth), and performance in stiffened substructure sections have been evaluated for selected cases. Significantly improved performance relative to baseline polyester is shown for several resins.