Production of the composite materials used for wind blades and investigation on the mechanical properties of the produced composites

In this study, it is aimed to determine the most suitable material for wind blades among the selected composites by examining mechanical and physical properties of the hybrid matrix composites which contain equally polyester and vinylester resin with different fiber orientations. Thus, it is aimed to shed light on the material selection of the wind blades within the scope of the study. Hybrid matrix composites were produced by vacuum infusion method and the fiber orientations were selected as 0°/90°, 30°/60° and +45°/-45°. According to mechanical tests results, 0°/90° fiber reinforced composites exhibited the best mechanical properties and it has been observed that +45°/-45° fiber reinforced composites have the lowest mechanical properties. Furthermore, as a result of hardness test of the composites, it is observed that the hardness of the Polyester/Vinylester hybrid matrix is stable against the temperature changes. According to water absorption test results, 0°/90°fiber reinforced composites have the lowest water absorption rates. As a results of all investigations, it was determined that in terms of mechanical performance the most suitable material is 0°/90° fiber reinforced composites and to get highest impact resistance at the blade, 30°/60° fiber reinforcement must be disposed at the topcoat of the blade.