Abstract

In this work, new biocomposites were manufactured and mechanically tested. A resin from natural resources (SuperSap®) was reinforced by a bidirectional flax and oak wood laminates.

Normalized tensile and three-point bending tests were performed and it was observed that the oak wood laminates in the outer layers give a great aesthetic finish and the tensile stiffness is also increased a 2% compared to the flax reinforced biocomposite. Regarding the results of three-point bending, the oak laminates in the core provide a greater flexure breaking strength, which is a 10% higher than the flax reinforced biocomposite. SEM micrographs show both the accuracy of the infusion process and the good adhesion of the different natural fibres and bioresin.

Finite Element simulations (FEM) were carried out at different pressures generated by three wind velocities (V_wind= 3, 8 and 11m/s). Both tension and deformation results show that the structural integrity of the biocomposite wind blades is not compromised. Finally, the real tests in the wind tunnel have validated the use of the developed biomaterials in manufacturing blades for small wind turbines.