Study on the characteristics of glass fiber-reinforced polymers from recycled wind turbine blades as reinforcement in particleboard

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), extensively employed in diverse industries, generates considerable waste, especially from decommissioned wind turbine blades. Our research group has developed a new method of mechanical recovery for GFRP from wind turbine blades. In this study, waste GFRP was processed into a mixed particle size of 0.9-6 mm using a crusher and a screening machine, and then added as reinforcement materials to particleboards. The effects of different levels of four factors (GFRP addition, hot pressing temperature, hot pressing time, and binder dosage) on the properties of GFRP particleboards were evaluated by orthogonal experiments. The study results showed that the particleboards with 30 wt% GFRP improved modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding strength (IB) by 74.94%, 42.28%, and 92.05%, respectively, compared to pure poplar particleboards. Moreover, GFRP particleboards demonstrated better water resistance and dimensional stability than commercial particleboards and excelled in thermal stability. Recycling GFRP waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades and incorporating it into particleboard production can reduce environmental pollution, increase the resource recovery utilization rate, and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices.Highlights Low-cost and efficient methods of recycling wind turbine blades were proposed. Recycled GFRP from wind turbine blades can be used as reinforcement for particleboard. The prepared particleboards have excellent physical and mechanical properties and are thermally stable. Determination of the optimal glass fiber-reinforced polymer addition level in particleboard at 30 wt%. Recycling GFRP from decommissioned wind turbine blades in particleboard production improves mechanical properties and thermal stability. image