Improved Blades via Nano-Material
UV Degradation Prevention on Fiber-Reinforced Composite Blades
Project Lead: Dr. Ramazan Asmatulu, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Wichita State University
The one-year goal of this project will be to investigate new nano-based coatings to protect composite blades against environmental conditions. The project is significant because environmental conditions, such as UV rays, compromise the integrity of composite blades. The approach will be to prepare nanocomposite coatings by individually combining inorganic nanoparticulates (nanotubes, nanowhiskers, nanoparticles, and nanowires) into polymeric matrices, such as a variety of epoxies and hardeners, polyethylene, polyurethane, fluorinated polyurethane, polypyrrole, polyamide, polyester, organosilanes, etc. These polymers are favorable coating materials with a wide variety of osmotic barriers, and chemical, thermal, hydrolitic, and oxidative stability properties. Inorganic particulates including (but not limited to) carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ZnO, CdSe, TiO2, ZrO2, CdTe, and Al2O3 will be utilized for UV absorption and reflection based on the color and structure of the materials, which in turn protects the polymeric windmill blades against environmental influences. Under this project, the carbon nanocomposites will be synthesized, a spray application of coatings for fiberglass composite blades will be developed, the coatings will be tested in an environmental chamber for degradation caused by UV light, UV degradation will be characterized, and a comparison with non-coated fiberglass will be conducted.
The milestones and deliverables for this one year project are as follows:
- Develop the experimental setup and production of carbon nanocoatings. Prepare a report on the material composition and processes.
- Test UV light, and characterize degradation. Prepare a report on UV light degradation for coated and non-coated fiberglass.
Contact Information:
Ramazan Asmatulu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering
Wichita State University
ramazan.asmatulu@wichita.edu
Supported by the Department of Energy
DOE DE-FG36-08GO88149
 |
 |