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<p>The disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades represents a growing economic loss and environmental concern due to the non-recovery of durable glass fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Existing thermal and chemical recycling methods often require high temperatures and toxic chemicals, causing material degradation. Here, we present a novel freeze–thaw-based method for fiber–resin separation as an alternative. The process uses only water at human-safe temperatures, leveraging ice-induced expansion to disrupt the glass fiber–epoxy interface. Microscopic imaging and weight analysis revealed visible interface separation, with three-dimensional imaging showing a ~ 65% increase in crack volume and a ~ 32% rise in connected porosity after freeze–thaw treatment. Glass fibers retained up to 96% of their original mechanical properties, demonstrating minimal structural damage. Microplastics were easily removed through filtration, and the effluent water remained near-neutral with low organic carbon levels, meeting global water safety standards. These findings highlight freeze–thaw cycling as a sustainable route for efficient fiber–resin separation with minimal environmental impact.</p>

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Freeze–thaw recycling for fiber–resin separation in retired wind blades

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月14日

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  • Khalil Ahmed,
  • Xu Jiang,
  • Ghazala Ashraf,
  • Xuhong Qiang

摘要

The disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades represents a growing economic loss and environmental concern due to the non-recovery of durable glass fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Existing thermal and chemical recycling methods often require high temperatures and toxic chemicals, causing material degradation. Here, we present a novel freeze–thaw-based method for fiber–resin separation as an alternative. The process uses only water at human-safe temperatures, leveraging ice-induced expansion to disrupt the glass fiber–epoxy interface. Microscopic imaging and weight analysis revealed visible interface separation, with three-dimensional imaging showing a ~ 65% increase in crack volume and a ~ 32% rise in connected porosity after freeze–thaw treatment. Glass fibers retained up to 96% of their original mechanical properties, demonstrating minimal structural damage. Microplastics were easily removed through filtration, and the effluent water remained near-neutral with low organic carbon levels, meeting global water safety standards. These findings highlight freeze–thaw cycling as a sustainable route for efficient fiber–resin separation with minimal environmental impact.