World's largest 100% recyclable blade made from Arkema's Elium® thermoplastic resin

On March 17, 2022, the ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) consortium announced a new step in the industry's ambitious project to transition to a circular economy, using Arkema's Elium® liquid thermoplastic resin and new high-performance fiberglass fabrics Manufactured the first 100% recyclable prototype wind turbine blade
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Launched in September 2020, the ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project, led by IRT [Institute of Technology] - Jules Verne, brings together leading industrial companies and technology centres for an ambitious project aimed at comprehensively demonstrating the benefits of thermoplastic wind turbine blades.
Technical, economic and environmental relevance, adopting an eco-design approach to facilitate recycling
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After a year of material development and testing, as well as process trials, the LM wind power plant in Ponferrada, Spain has designed and manufactured the world's largest thermoplastic blade, measuring 62 meters in length, made from Arkema's Elium® liquid resin 100% recyclable
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Elium® liquid thermoplastic resins are well suited for the manufacture of large parts by resin infusion
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Composite parts made with Arkema's resins have the same properties as parts made with thermoset resins, but with a unique advantage: recyclability
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Elium®-based composite parts can be recycled using advanced chemical recycling methods; this includes fully depolymerizing the resin, separating the fibers from the resin, and recovering new virgin resin and high-performance glass fibers for reuse
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The method, developed by Arkema and CANOE, was tested on all composite parts, including waste from the production of this prototype blade
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The next steps are as follows:

● Conduct comprehensive structural life testing to validate the performance of composite materials used to make wind turbine blades and their viability for future sustainable blade production
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● Validate the recycling process of production scrap and dismantled initial blades
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● By the end of the project in 2023, the consortium will take up the challenge of integrating the wind energy sector into the circular economy in a sustainable manner, in accordance with eco-design principles
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● Arkema is pleased to be part of this alliance and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable wind power solutions with its high-performance materials
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