Abstract

In the marine industry, Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) are currently dominating the manufacture of vessels up to 50m in length, with liquid resin infusion (LRI) being the most frequently used manufacturing technique, of which vacuum-assisted liquid resin infusion is the most widely adopted LRI variant. However, current regulations restrict the use of composite materials in vessels over 50m in length. FIBRESHIP is a Horizon 2020 funded EU project that aims to further the use of FRPs in vessels over 50m in length by addressing the regulatory restrictions and the numerous other challenges associated with manufacturing long-length FRP composite ships. The mechanical performance of new commercially available composite material constituents as potential candidates for selection in composite ship construction is central to this work. This paper provides an overview of selected work performed as part of the FIBRESHIP project in terms of evaluating various mechanical properties of selected laminates under dry and wet conditions. The laminates were immersed in seawater at 35°C for durations of one to three months. Three-point bend and interlaminar shear strength tests were undertaken in order to investigate the change in the mechanical properties of composite laminates subject to immersion. Finally, tested specimens were observed using micro-computed tomography (μCT) to evaluate the failure morphology.

Abstract

With the aim of improving composites manufacturing process costs and properties, in order to compete with others materials, a new process of impregnation, compaction and curing of fibre glass reinforcing composites, has been developed. This new process based on UV curing prepregs could be an alternative to the traditional manufacturing process, including infusion process and autoclave curing.

These new process consists of two stages. First, the automated manufacturing of the UV curing prepregs. Second, the compaction of the composite by means of application of pressure and UV radiation giving rise to the finished part.

In this work, the UV prepregs manufacturing process will be analysed, and the effect of the control parameters of the all process, composed by impregnation, resin content adjustment and precuring, will be analysed. The durability of different manufactured UV prepregs and the mechanical behaviour of the resulted composite will be also studied. Finally, the prototypes necessary to the automation of the two stages of the process will be described.

Abstract

Wind energy remains the second most important source of power generation in Europe in 2019. This energy capacity is generated by wind turbines which have a lifespan of 20-25 years. The amount of blades produced by dismantling of wind farms will increase over time, which is going to be a major environmental problem because currently the out of use blades are going to landfill. For example, in 2025 it is expected that 500,000 tons of blade waste will be generated in Europe, which represents 324,738 tons of glass fibre. The objective of this study has been to design, build and optimize an innovative mechanical recycling prototype with a capacity of 100 kg/h to enhance the glass fibre that make up the wind turbine blades, favoring the recovery of this waste in order to reduce its presence in landfills and giving them a second life cycle for an application with high added value. To demonstrate the usefulness of these glass fibers, they have been incorporated into asphalt agglomerate, building a 1500 meter road demonstration section, which has been monitored for a year to study the improvement of its mechanical properties, the most important being an increase in the useful life of the pavement, an increase in its resistance, and an improvement in its acoustic qualities. Through all these objectives, the life cycle of this waste will be closed, providing great added value to both the waste and the resulting new product.

Abstract