Efecto del Agregado de Nanoarcillas sobre la Absorción de Agua y las Propiedades Mecánicas de Materiales Compuestos Utilizados para la Fabricación de Palas Eólicas

GASTON FRANCUCCI; ROMINA OLLIER; EMANUEL FAGUAGA; EXEQUIEL RODRIGUEZ; VERA ALVAREZ

Puerto Iguazu

Congreso; Jornadas SAM/CONAMET; 2013

Wind blades are usually manufactured with composite materials based on glass fibers and polyester resin. Their mechanical performance must remain satisfactory in humid and severe environments during their life in service. This paper presents a study on the effect of water absorption on the properties of these materials. It was found that moisture absorption deteriorate the mechanical properties of the composites as it weakens the fiber-matrix interface. Bentonite was added as nanoreinforcement in order to decrease the negative effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties. The clay was found to be agglomerated in the material, and thus no benefits were obtained in terms of mechanical and water barrier properties. Chemical modifications on the bentonite with phosphonium and ammonium salts were carried out to improve its compatibility with the polymeric matrix. Results showed that the treatment was effective in improving clay dispersion, reducing water absorption and increasing the composites? performance in humid environments.