Nanoengineered Graphene-Reinforced Coating for Leading Edge Protection of Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

Possibilities of the development of new anti-erosion coatings for wind turbine blade surface protection on the basis of nanoengineered polymers are explored. Coatings with graphene and hybrid nanoreinforcements are tested for their anti-erosion performance, using the single point impact fatigue testing (SPIFT) methodology. It is demonstrated that graphene and hybrid (graphene/silica) reinforced polymer coatings can provide better erosion protection with lifetimes up to 13 times longer than non-reinforced polyurethanes. Thermal effects and energy dissipation during the repeated soft impacts on the blade surface are discussed.

Graphene/sol–gel modified polyurethane coating for wind turbine blade leading edge protection: Properties and performance

“…This indicates PU + GNP + SG experiences the least stresses during cyclic compressive loading, beneficial to repeated compressive impact by rain droplets as observed in our previous work. 35…”

“…In our previous work, the erosion performance of these three coating under repeated rubber ball impact were investigated and the superiority of PU + GNP + SG was demonstrated. 35…”

“…In our previous work, 35 erosion tests with rubber ball impact have been conducted on specimens made from glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite substrates coated with neat PU, PU + GNP and PU + GNP + SG materials. The results showed PU coatings modified with 0.5 wt% GNP and 1 wt% SG had up to 13 times longer life than unmodified PU 35 In the work reported here, the optimised processing stages of making these PU nanocomposites are discussed. The enhancement in the mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity of the PU nanocomposite coatings are explored by tensile, monotonic and cyclic compression, and tearing tests.…”

Prospective Dynamic and Probabilistic Material Flow Analysis of Graphene-Based Materials in Europe from 2004 to 2030

“…Due to their high chemical inertness, extreme mechanical strength, and high electrical conductivity, coatings made with graphene-based materials (GBMs) provide improved anti-erosion properties and resistance against lightning strikes to wind turbine blades. 3 − 6 Although graphene oxide is the GBM most frequently investigated for its potential use in coatings, 6 other forms (e.g., hydroxyl-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets) have also attracted interest for application in wind turbine coatings. 4 , 5 The oil and drilling industries are also expected to benefit from GBMs.…”

“…Thanks to its high thermal conductivity and electron mobility, graphene can be used in composite materials, batteries, supercapacitors, and conductive inks. Due to their high chemical inertness, extreme mechanical strength, and high electrical conductivity, coatings made with graphene-based materials (GBMs) provide improved anti-erosion properties and resistance against lightning strikes to wind turbine blades. − Although graphene oxide is the GBM most frequently investigated for its potential use in coatings, other forms (e.g., hydroxyl-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets) have also attracted interest for application in wind turbine coatings. , The oil and drilling industries are also expected to benefit from GBMs. , Adding GBMs can improve the rheology, fluid loss control, and lubricity of drilling fluids . Graphene’s gas impermeability and adsorbability enable its use in filters. , …”