Recovering glass fibers from waste wind turbine blades: Recycling methods, fiber properties, and potential utilization

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 202; p. 114690
• Main Authors: Xu, Ming-xin, Ji, Hai-wen, Wu, Ya-chang, Meng, Xiang-xi, Di, Jin-yi, Yang, Jie, Lu, Qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Glass fiber reinforced materials; Recovered glass fibers; Recycling; Resin matrix decomposition; Secondary utilization; Wind turbine blades; Glass fiber reinforced materials; Resin matrix decomposition; Recovered glass fibers; Recycling; Secondary utilization; Wind turbine blades
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114690

As the global demand for wind power continues to increase, there is growing concern about the disposal of waste wind turbine blades, which are predominantly composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the recovery of glass fibers from waste wind turbines, examining various recycling techniques including mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, combustion, and chemical solvolysis. Additionally, the review assesses the impact of each technique on the properties of the recovered glass fibers and explores potential secondary applications for these fibers. Notably, the review emphasizes the significant impact of recycling methods on the characteristics of recovered glass fibers and establishes meaningful connections among recycling approaches, fiber properties, and potential applications. Furthermore, the review offers insights into future research directions and technological advancements needed to address current challenges in this field. The objective of this review is to advance knowledge and technology for addressing waste wind turbine blades and promoting the sustainable utilization of recovered glass fibers. •Several methods for recovering glass fibers from waste turbine blades are outlined.•Recycling methods strongly affect the properties of recovered glass fibers.•Pyrolysis and chemical solvolysis are currently the two most promising methods.•Relations of recycling methods, fiber features, and potential reuses are obtained.•The reutilization of recovered fibers needs to break free from traditional fields.