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Recovery of Glass Fibers is not yet Worthwhile

The further processing of rotor blade waste takes place in specialized processing plants. A basic requirement is the separation of waste streams by type. It is important to note that GFRP parts and CFRP components typically do not have mechanically easily separable connections. This necessitates the use of separation processes with hydraulic shears and cutting grinders. The parts are initially cut to a length of about one meter and then shortened to 5 centimeters. The iron and non-ferrous metals separated from the processed rotor blade waste are treated using known metal recycling methods. Through pyrolysis (thermal treatment under oxygen deprivation), the valuable carbon fibers can be recovered. For GFRP fibers, no processing method has yet been established because it is not yet profitable. Landfilling is also unsuitable for GFRP due to its high organic content, and incineration is unsuitable due to the high slag formation caused by glass fibers. Currently, GFRP is utilized in cement plants, where the glass fibers in the clinker are utilized as silica (SiO₂), and the matrix is utilized energetically, according to the study by the Federal Environment Agency. However, the lack of recovery could become a thing of the past with increasing demand for rotor blade recycling.

GRP Parts are Currently Mainly Energy Suppliers

When asked about the topic, Felix Losada, press spokesman at Nordex, says: "In general, energetic and material recycling in the cement industry is currently the only available and above all economically feasible solution for recycling GFRP." According to Losada, the so-called cement co-processing enables the recovery of energy and materials that can be used to produce alternative fuels and construction materials. On an industrial scale, rotor blades could also be recycled through waste incineration. Regarding expectations for the future, Grüneisen states: "We anticipate further progress in material management. As plant and rotor sizes increase, material compositions will also need to change. Enhanced recyclability will play an important role."

Industry Insiders see Opportunities Through Solvolysis

According to experts, an interesting step in this direction is the so-called solvolysis of the epoxy matrix. Compared to burning the matrix, it is considered a material-friendly process when it comes to fiber recovery. The advantages of solvolysis over pyrolysis are expected in a higher carbon recovery rate (efficiency), as noted by the company Evonik. Siemens Gamesa is also pursuing this approach. It is also worth noting the important role of operating fluids, such as oils, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids, which must be properly disposed of during dismantling. Many data have been collected, but efficient processes are still scarce. They will be needed soon. Particularly in solvolysis, there is still a need for development with high potential. Efforts must be made to improve disposal potential.

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