Effect of carbon nano-fiber paper-glass fiber/epoxy composite used for wind turbineblade

According to wind turbine blade worked in sandy environment, high winds can carry abrasive particles disrupting the blade and reducing its aerodynamic efficiency, the behaviors of sand erosion were investigated. In this paper, three different samples: the pure epoxy (EPIKOTE^TM RIM 135, EPIKURE^TM RIM H 137 especially for wind turbine blade), the conventional glass fiber reinforced composite and the carbon nano-fiber paper-glass fiber/epoxy composite were compared in terms of wear loss, surface profile, glass transition temperature and water contact angle. For the erosion testing, the mass loss of the traditional composite is larger than that of pure epoxy resin, and that of carbon nano-fiber paper-glass fiber/epoxy composite. Compared with traditional composite, carbon nano-fiber paper-glass fiber/epoxy composite shows a higher glass transition temperature (from 55 ℃ increased to 63 ℃) and a larger contact angle (from 104° increased to 131°, more hydrophobic), which can improve the heat-resistance performance and the anti-ice properties. This novel carbon nano-fiber paper-glass fiber/epoxy composite has a great potential as a coating materials for wind turbine blade, providing erosion resistance, preventing ice-buildup, and reducing the energy loss.