Bending Properties of Multilayered Non-Interlaced E-Glass/Polyester Composites for Wind Blade Applications

The aim of the research was to develop multilayered non-interlaced E-Glass preforms and describe the mechanical properties of multilayered non-interlaced E-Glass/polyester composites for wind blade in green energy applications. For this purpose, the preforms were developed and consolidated where high modulus and high strength E-glass fibers and, polyester matrix were used. The E-glass preforms included unidirectional(0°), biaxial(0°/90°) and multiaxially(0°/90°/±45°) oriented structures. E-glass/polyester composites were investigated with regard to packing density (tight and loose volume fraction) and fiber orientations. The effects of these parameters on bending strength and modulus of the composites were experimentally investigated. Generally, the composites produced by the tightly wound performs showed better mechanical performances compare to those of the composites produced by the loosely wound performs due to the high volume fractions.) Fiber orientation in the preform affected the properties of the composites in where the properties of the composites became homogeneous. It was found that the damage mode in the structure under the bending load was mainly due to the delamination (Mode I). It was also demonstrated that the fibers in developed preform structures were perfectly aligned compare to the state of the art preforms.