Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed a new class of stronger composite materials

Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed a new class of stronger composite materials in response to the wind power industry’s move toward developing and manufacturing longer, larger, more productive wind blades. A Bayer scientist and a researcher from Molded Fiber Glass conducted studies to compare the performance characteristics of the newly introduced Baydur® resin infusion polyurethane systems versus those of epoxy- and vinyl ester-based composites.

The results of the studies and development of the low-viscosity, long-gelling polyurethane systems are detailed in a technical paper: “Polyurethane Composites for Wind Turbine Blades,” authored by Dr. Usama Younes, principal scientist with Bayer MaterialScience LLC and Frank Bradish, a researcher with Molded Fiber Glass Research Company. Dr. Younes will present their findings during the annual SAMPE Tech 2011 conference and exhibition, taking place October 17-20 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Glass reinforced polyurethane composites have been used for many years to make various parts used in agricultural equipment, heavy-duty construction equipment and watercraft. However, these polyurethane systems were designed for fast throughput equipment and are known for fast gelling and fast demold properties. As such, these polyurethane systems were not suitable for making very large windmill blades, which require polyurethane systems with lower viscosities and longer gel times. However, the studies performed by Dr. Younes and Bradish demonstrated that new polyurethane systems have been developed and adapted to current large blade manufacturing processes and retrofitted into existing designs at minimal cost.

According to the results of the research, the new polyurethane-based composite systems outperformed the epoxy and vinyl ester samples in tensile fatigue, interlaminar fracture toughness testing and fatigue crack growth testing. According to the authors, “These urethane systems showed much improved fatigue and fracture toughness properties as well as faster demold than resins currently used in wind turbine blade manufacture.”

Furthermore, the polyurethane systems are environmentally friendly, as they contain low-to-no volatile organic compounds and use sustainable raw materials from renewable resources.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,700 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.