Recycling wind turbine blade to fabricate 3D framework for ultra-robust composite with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites with both thermal response, management functions and antibacterial properties are highly desirable for use in fields such as rail transit, and construction engineering. In this study, fine recycled wind turbine blades powder, obtained from a facile yet effective solid-state shearing milling (S³M) equipment, was deposited with Ag nanoparticles using polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediate layer via electroless plating. Comprehensive analyses confirm the synthesis of silver-plated powder (referred to as WPA). Subsequently, epoxy and WPA mixture coating was developed to encapsulate glass fiber fabric (GFF) via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. In this sandwich-like structure, GFF not only reinforces the composite but also serves as a filler barrier, enabling uniform filler distribution on its surface and forming a dense conductive network. Meanwhile, WPA enhance its interfacial interactions with epoxy resin through a mechanical interlocking structure, forming a robust framework that enables efficient stress transfer. GFF-reinforced EP/WPA laminate, with 3 GFF layers, achieves a tensile strength of ∼166.7 MPa and a tunable EMI shielding effectiveness of 48.2–68.6 dB depending on the number of GFF layers. Additionally, the laminate exhibits versatile usability, such as outstanding thermal management capability, performance stability, and good antibacterial performance.