High-quality recycling and remanufacturing of decommissioned wind turbine blades

Wind power is among the fastest-growing renewable energy sources under the “dual-carbon” strategy, with China ranking first worldwide in wind power generation. Wind turbine blades, the core components for capturing wind energy, are typically fabricated from 60%–70% glass fiber and 30%–40% thermosetting epoxy resin to meet the requirements of light weight, high strength and modulus, low cost, and ease of processing. However, after decommissioning, these blades are neither incinerable nor landfillable, and their insoluble and infusible nature makes reprocessing and recycling extremely challenging. This issue has become a global concern as well as a critical national demand for advancing China’s wind power industry and green, low-carbon circular economy. This paper introduced solid-state shear milling (S3M) equipment and technology by our research team based on the principles of polymer mechanochemistry. The study focused on the mechanisms of room-temperature ultrafine pulverization and mechanochemical modification of decommissioned wind turbine blades. Furthermore, it comprehensively summarizes recent progress in utilizing the activated blade powders to fabricate high-performance fiberglass composites, produce flame-retardant products via surface coating with flame retardants, and prepare high-filling reinforcing masterbatches and regenerated products through hyperbranched surface modification. This work provided both theoretical and technological foundations for overcoming the limitations of conventional recycling methods and realizing high-quality recycling and remanufacturing of decommissioned wind turbine blades.