Wind

We understand the crucial role of wind energy in global sustainability. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow—particularly for larger, more efficient wind turbines—the industry encounters new challenges in material bonding and manufacturing. Our groundbreaking crosslinking solutions are designed to address these challenges while promoting environmental stewardship. Discover how our expert products can elevate your wind energy projects.

To meet rising energy targets and boost electricity capacities and efficiency, wind turbines blades are becoming increasingly larger. This trend presents manufacturers with challenges in bonding processes, necessitating adhesive systems with extended gel times for longer bond lines. 

Evonik’s innovative curing agents
In response to the evolving wind energy sector, our Epoxy Curing Agent division offers a range of advanced curing agents that feature low viscosities, high flexibility and extended gel times. These agents, which vary in gel time and viscosity, consistently provide excellent mechanical properties and thermal resistance after curing with a standard epoxy resin at temperatures of 70-75°C for five hours. This versatile toolbox empowers formulators to effectively meet the challenges of wind turbine blade production.

Rotor blades are crucial components in renewable energy, requiring robust composite solutions. Modern rotor blades, measuring 80 meters or longer, must operate reliably for over 20 years under extreme mechanical stress. The epoxy matrix formulation, particularly the curing agent is vital for achieving the necessary performance.

VESTAMIN® IPD: A key component
VESTAMIN® IPD is essential in formulating your VARTM matrix. It offers an optimal balance of reactivity and pot life, ensuring superior mechanical strength and durability throughout the rotor blade's lifespan. Our epoxy-based VARTM matrix systems, featuring VESTAMIN® IPD as the curing agent, have been successfully used in rotor blade manufacturing for over 25 years, even as blade lengths have tripled using the same epoxy amine formulation.

High-performance VESTAMIN® solutions for sustainable applications
Our VESTAMIN® range includes aliphatic diamines that serve as standard crosslinkers for high-performance epoxy systems. Notably, the VESTAMIN® IPD eCO product line stands out for its sustainability without compromising performance. Utilizing a mass-balance approach, our eCO product line replaces fossil-based raw materials with renewable resources throughout production. Each eCO product is ISCC PLUS-certified, confirming the use of renewable materials at every stage of the value chain. This method allows us to track renewable material quantities, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices.