Epoxy adhesive
Spabond 340
Gurit
Gurit is a technical leader in the formulation of advanced epoxy resins, and the Spabond epoxy adhesive range is second to none in wind turbine applications.
Lifetime mechanical performance of an advanced composite turbine blade is of fundamental importance for these large, dynamic and active structures. Performance of the structure through cyclic loading and often severe operational climates puts high demands on all materials in their design. Perhaps the most significant demand performance is reserved for the adhesive bonds which hold the major components together.
To achieve the best properties in pure adhesive bonds, there are trade offs in matching the ultimate cohesive and adhesive strength of the adhesive, its ability to hold two substrates together with its ability to absorb shock or deformation before failure.
Some of these trade offs are due to fundamentals of polymer chemistry that can only be overcome at extremely high formulation cost or with complex application processes. The challenge is to find a solution that is compatible with wind turbine blade economics.
The choice of adhesive is often firstly made on these mechanical properties. However, for structures of the size being considered in wind turbine blade, manufacturing issues are always key considerations.
Spabond 340 is a toughened, thixotropic adhesive system with a simple 2:1 by weight and by volume mix ratio. It is designed for use with a mixing machine and has a sag resistance of 30mm on a vertical surface.
