Erosion Mapping of Through-Thickness Toughened Powder Epoxy Gradient Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Plates for Tidal Turbine Blades

Erosion of tidal turbine blades in the marine environment is a major material challenge due to high thrust and torsional loading at rotating surfaces, which limits ability harness energy from sources. Polymer–matrix composites can exhibit leading-blade edge erosion flows containing salt solid particles sand. Anti-erosion coatings be used for more ductility blade surface, but discontinuity between coating stiffer composite site failure. Therefore, it desirable have polymer matrix with gradient toughness, tougher, ductile transitioning gradually stiffness needed provide mechanical properties. In this study, multiple powder epoxy systems were investigated, two selected manufacture unidirectional glass-fiber-reinforced (UD-GFRP) plates different ratios surface interior plies, leading toughening within plate. The then mechanically compared their standard counterparts. Solid particle testing was carried out various test conditions parameters on UD-GFRP specimens slurry environment. experiments performed based model UK typical farm respect concentration saltwater size erodent. morphologies surfaces examined by SEM. maps generated result showing significant differences materials such conditions.