20.05.2025 by Dr. Chiara Baldini, Aileen Sammler
Oxidative Liquefaction of Wind Turbine Blades: A New Dimension in Composite Recycling
End-of-Life (EoL) wind turbine blades (WTBs) represent one of the most pressing waste management challenges in the renewable energy sector. Built to withstand decades of harsh operating conditions, these large-scale composite structures are extremely difficult to recycle once they are decommissioned. Their high mechanical strength, complex resin systems and fiber-reinforced architectures severely limit the effectiveness of conventional recycling methods.
As the global volume of EoL WTBs continues to grow, there is an urgent need to explore alternative, sustainable solutions. One of the most promising approaches is chemical recycling, in particular oxidative liquefaction ‒ a process capable of recovering valuable fibers and secondary chemicals, while reducing environmental impact.
Thermal and Kinetic Characterization of Oxidative Liquefaction Process
This process is the focus of the study “Kinetic study of the decommissioned wind turbine blade oxidative liquefaction based on differential scanning calorimetry”(Energy, Vol. 316, 2025), conducted by researchers at the Silesian University of Technology, Poland, in cooperation with the laboratories of NETZSCH-Gerätebau GmbH.
The study is notable for its integrated experimental and computational approach to characterizing the oxidative liquefaction of EoL composites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements were performed using a NETZSCH DSC 214 Polyma equipped with high-pressure steel crucibles allowing for the simulation of hydrothermal conditions in a sealed environment.
This setup allowed the thermal behavior of the system to be evaluated under real process conditions by monitoring enthalpy changes and heat flow, even in the presence of reactive liquid media such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).
The kinetic analysis of the oxidative liquefaction process was performed using the NETZSCH Kinetics Neo software, enabling the application of both isoconversional methods (Friedman) and model-based approaches (master-plot techniques). This dual methodology provided access to key kinetic parameters –including activation energy and reaction models – offering new insights into the OxidationOxidation can describe different processes in the context of thermal analysis.oxidation mechanisms of epoxy-based composites
The study provides essential kinetic data to support process optimization, scale-up, and ultimately the development of more sustainable recycling strategies, not only for EoL wind turbine blades, but also for a broader range of composite materials.
The complete experimental methodology, kinetic modeling approach, and detailed data interpretation are available in the original peer-reviewed publication:
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