Page 713 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

656 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

they provide absorbing the impact energy of the particulate matter. To increase the
absorbing impact energy, nanosized reinforcing particles add to the elastomeric mate-
rial. The best manufacturing process of wind turbine blades is known as vacuum infu-
sion; products produced by this method have higher erosion resistance [73]. The
composite materials produced by vacuum infusion process have high-fiber/matrix
ratio. This wins the material high-mechanical properties, while the cost is decreasing.
According to Dalili et al. [73] in addition to erosion, thermal resistance is also vital.
As in warm condition, insect fouling is acting; in cold condition, icing becomes crit-
ical [73]. Existing solution for insect fouling without stopping the wind turbines or
without increasing surface roughness is a kind of application of nonstick coatings.
These coatings provide low-friction, low surface free energy because of its smooth
surface. Under favor of smooth surface, insect adhesion is significantly prevented.
Otherwise, so as to clean the blades, rainfall will be necessary, or the stopped wind
turbine blades will be washed at the risk of power loss [73].
The glass or carbon fiber in composite materials holds the moisture in itself. And
this situation rises to icing in cold conditions. The way to stop icing is by using
nanomaterials that have moisture-repellent property.
So as to overcome the problems faced in wind energy industry, surface engineering
is the most important. Nanoparticles are used in surface coating material as filler or
additive such as clay, carbon (like SWCNT, MWCNT, and CNF), and glass fibers
[70,74]. Furthermore, Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , and ZrO 2 nanomaterials are used to enhance
mechanical and scratch resistance. CuO, TiO 2 , and ZnO are used to create an antimi-
crobial surface. Nanoclay and graphene are used to improve gas barrier
properties [70].
While the nanofiller material may cause the failure at the interface between matrix
and filler according to Slot et al. [74], the common opinion is that the nanosized par-
ticle brings higher mechanical to product properties. Nanofillers not only increase the
hardness and the modulus of stiffness but also increase the thermal conductivity.
Improving such properties promotes the absorbing of impact energy compared with
pure elastomeric material and provides to resist to problems explained above in wind
turbine blades [72,74]. Large surface area is an advantage for nanoscale fillers com-
pared with microscale fillers to show effective stress transfer. To improve their role
within the structure, nanoparticles should be dispersed well and impregnated within
the matrix [70]. According to Okpala [75], making a good dispersion of the
nanoparticles in the composite requires a lot of time and effort. According to this dec-
laration and other requirements, Okpala [75] participated of his findings of production
of nanoparticle for nanocomposite in his paper as quite costly [75].

24.5 Conclusions and future perspectives

The use of nanomaterials for the wind turbine composites was mainly realized to see
the possible effects on polymer matrix materials. An important failure reason, crack
propagation might be prevented since nanomaterials replace or block nanopores. The
loaded stress is directed or distributed to nanoparticles so that cracks do not cause