Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 145114

145114 - Fiber Spinning of Waste Wind Turbine Materials for High Performance Composites 

The growing accumulation of plastic waste and the challenge of disposing of end-of-life wind turbine blades underscore the pressing need for sustainable solutions. Mechanical recycling of composite wind turbine blades presents a promising avenue for addressing this issue by reclaiming glass fibers for reuse, thereby improving material properties compared to pure PAN polymer. An exemplary manifestation of this strategy is the development of PAN/GF coaxial-layered fibers through dry-jet wet spinning. These fibers demonstrate significant mechanical enhancements, with a notable 24.4% increase in strength and a 17.7% increase in modulus compared to the composite fiber. Such advancements hold great potential across various industrial sectors, especially electric vehicle manufacturing, where lightweight and durable materials are essential. This innovative approach reflects a commitment to sustainability and circular design principles by reducing waste and reusing materials. By integrating recycled materials into high-performance fibers, not only are their mechanical properties enhanced, but also the environmental impact associated with conventional manufacturing processes is diminished. This research contributes to propelling composite materials towards a more environmentally conscious future.

Presenting Author: Varunkumar Thippanna Arizona State University

Presenting Author Biography: I am a PhD student with a research focus on Additive manufacturing, polymers, and composites.

Authors:

Varunkumar Thippanna Arizona State University
Kenan Song University of Georgia