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Freeze–thaw recycling for fiber–resin separation in retired wind blades
Summary
Researchers developed a new freeze-thaw method to separate glass fibers from the resin in retired wind turbine blades, using only water at safe temperatures instead of harsh chemicals or extreme heat. The process increased crack volume in the composite by about 65%, allowing fiber separation while preserving up to 96% of the glass fiber's original strength. This approach offers a more environmentally friendly way to recycle wind turbine blade materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
The disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades represents a growing economic loss and environmental concern due to the non-recovery of durable glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Existing thermal and chemical recycling methods often require high temperatures and toxic chemicals, causing material degradation. Here, we present a novel freeze-thaw-based method for fiber-resin separation as an alternative. The process uses only water at human-safe temperatures, leveraging ice-induced expansion to disrupt the glass fiber-epoxy interface. Microscopic imaging and weight analysis revealed visible interface separation, with three-dimensional imaging showing a ~ 65% increase in crack volume and a ~ 32% rise in connected porosity after freeze-thaw treatment. Glass fibers retained up to 96% of their original mechanical properties, demonstrating minimal structural damage. Microplastics were easily removed through filtration, and the effluent water remained near-neutral with low organic carbon levels, meeting global water safety standards. These findings highlight freeze-thaw cycling as a sustainable route for efficient fiber-resin separation with minimal environmental impact.