Influence of Fiber Glass Sizing Design on the Performance of Composites for Wind Blades

摘要

The global demand for alternative energy sources has resulted in dramatic growth in the use of fiber glass composites for wind blades. As energy cost and efficiency demands drive the need for longer blades, the design and selection of fiber glass sizing systems are critical to optimizing blade building processes and long term fatigue performance of the blade. Experimental results have shown that changes in sizing chemistry on the surface of glass fibers can substantially improve both static and long term composite mechanical properties. In addition, resin infusion rates and finished part quality of wind blades are enhanced by the proper design and selection of fiber glass sizing elements. Performance can be further improved by the proper selection of fiber glass sizing systems in combination with a specific type of resin chemistry. Ongoing research on fiber glass products for wind blades at the PPG Fiber Glass Science and Technology Center is focused on maximizing the mechanical performance for the wind blade market.