Small is Sometimes Better
Wind turbine blade manufacturers are being challenged to build larger and larger blades, exhausting the capabilities of current composite materials. The emerging field of nanotechnology will offer dramatic benefits for composites applications. This article introduces the reader to the unique properties of nanoparticles, and why their small size is important. The technical hurdles for nanomaterials are addressed and an example of how nanomaterials can improve the performance of materials is given.
By Blake Branson, President, Chief Science Officer, sp3 nanotech, USA
Wind turbine blade manufacturers are being challenged to build larger and larger blades, exhausting the capabilities of current composite materials. The emerging field of nanotechnology will offer dramatic benefits for composites applications. This article introduces the reader to the unique properties of nanoparticles, and why their small size is important. The technical hurdles for nanomaterials are addressed and an example of how nanomaterials can improve the performance of materials is given.By Blake Branson, President, Chief Science Officer, sp3 nanotech, USA