Wind power generation is an increasingly popular renewable energy. However, how to deal with the replacement of the giant turbine blades that convert wind energy into electric energy is a problem. At the fall annual meeting of the American Chemical Society held on the 23rd, American scientists reported a new composite resin that can be used to manufacture these giants, and can be recycled to make new turbine blades or various other products, including countertops, car tail lights, diapers, and even bear gums. "The beauty of our resin system is that at the end of its life cycle, it can be dissolved and released from any matrix where it is located so that it can be reused." "This is the goal of circular economy," said Dr. John Dogan of Michigan State University Wind turbine blades made of glass fiber can be as long as half a football field. Although some companies have found ways to recycle glass fiber into low-value materials, most of the discarded leaves are eventually sent to landfills. Researchers have created a new turbine material by combining glass fibers with plant derived polymers and synthetic polymers. Panels made of this thermoplastic resin are strong and durable enough to be used in turbines or automobiles. The researchers dissolved the panel in the fresh monomer, physically removed the glass fiber, and re cast the material into the same type of new product. The re cast panel has the same physical properties as its predecessor. In addition to new wind turbine blades, this new resin can be used for a variety of other applications. By mixing resins with different minerals, the team has produced artificial stones that can be converted into household items, such as countertops and bathroom sinks. Researchers can also smash the recycled materials and mix them with other plastic resins for injection molding, which can be used to manufacture notebook computer covers and power tools. This material can even be upgraded to higher value products. Digestion of thermoplastic resins in alkaline solutions releases polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a common acrylic material used in windows, car tail lights and many other items. Increasing the digestion temperature can convert PMMA into polymethylmethacrylic acid, which is a super absorbent polymer for diapers. Alkaline digestion also produces potassium lactate, which can be purified and made into candy and sports drinks. "We recycled food grade potassium lactate and used it to make gummy bears. I ate it." Doggett said. Researchers have proved that the resin has physical properties suitable for wind turbines, and they hope to produce medium-sized blades for field testing. (news agency)