Scientists from Washington State University (WSU) have taken a new step in energy sustainability. They recycle wind turbine blades to create super-resistant plastic.
They do this with an innovative method, without the need to resort to aggressive chemicals.
The material is glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), which constitutes about two-thirds of the weight of a wind turbine blade.
Recycling wind turbine blades: the material
GFRP material was a key component in turbine manufacturing since the 1990s, when the first generation of these modern equipment began to be installed on a large scale.
However, its thermoset nature, in contrast to thermoplastics like those used for many bottles, which can be melted and reused easily, makes it particularly difficult to recycle.
Once cured, GFRP cannot be disposed of or returned to its original components without complex processes, leading to many blades ending up in landfills at the end of their lifespan, which is usually around 20 to 25 years.
Moreover, as reported by El Periódico de la EnergÃa, during blade manufacturing, approximately 15% of the material is wasted. This generates a significant volume of waste even before the turbines start operating.
With the rise of wind energy in recent decades, and with thousands of first-generation turbines reaching the end of their lifespan, the need for a sustainable solution has become critical.
“As wind energy grows, recycling and reusing turbine waste has become urgent,” stated Jinwen Zhang, a professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at WSU and author of the study that analyzed the case.
“Our method is scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, providing a practical solution to this challenge,” he added.
Low environmental impact
The approach developed by the WSU team is relevant for its simplicity and low environmental impact.
The researchers start by cutting the GFRP into blocks of about five centimeters (around two inches). These fragments are then immersed in a hot water bath at an elevated level and pressurized. To this, a low-toxicity organic salt is added: zinc acetate.
This compound, commonly used in medications like throat lozenges and as a food additive, acts as a catalyst to break down the material in about two hours.
The result is the recovery of high-strength glass fibers and resins in optimal conditions, ready to be reused.
