Graphene/sol–gel modified polyurethane coating for wind turbine blade leading edge protection: Properties and performance

The development of two novel elastomeric erosion resistant coatings for the protection wind turbine blades is presented. are prepared by modifying polyurethane (PU) with (i) hydroxyl functionalised graphene nanoparticles (f-GNP) and (ii) f-GNP a hydrophobic silica-based sol–gel (SG). Tensile, monotonic cyclic compression tearing tests have been conducted on neat PU newly developed nanocomposites (PU + GNP SG) to allow their properties be compared. test results showed that mechanical modified PUs strong dependency temperature, strain rate loading addition SG improved properties. Compared PU, Young’s modulus toughness increased 95% 124%, respectively. nanocomposite displayed highest strength elongation at break. An investigation microstructures FTIR, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) discussed. Hydrophobicity reported measuring water droplet contact angles free surface energies.