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Innovation Planets Parts

JEC World


ZEBRA BLADE

IRT JULES VERNE
The ZEBRA project objective is to develop innovative materials and processes to improve sustainability of wind energy blades. Full scale thermoplastic wind blades (62.2 and 77.4 m) have been manufactured using Elium resin and Ultrablade glass fabrics and tested on bench. Recycling solutions have been developed, to generate recycled Elium monomer and to recover glass fiber at pilot scale.

Why and Whom

The ZEBRA project’s aim is to demonstrate the technical, economic, and environmental relevance of thermoplastic wind turbine blades on a full-scale demonstrator, with an eco-design approach to enable a high recycling rate.

Partners

ARKEMA | SUEZ | ENGIE | LM WIND POWER | OWENS CORNING

Key Benefits

The blades of wind turbines currently in operation are made of thermoset composite materials which allow them to combine strength and lightness. However, the recycling of thermoset composites appears difficult to implement. Manufacturers are considering a new solution by using thermoplastic composites. Elium liquid thermoplastic resin allows to produce blades with traditional infusion process.

Awards

Award Winner - Renewable Energies
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