New HiPer-tex™ W3030 roving from 3B-the fibreglass company complements its new benchmark series of resin-specific high performance fibre glass for wind turbine rotor blades.

Battice, Belgium – March 27, 2012 – Here at the annual JEC Composites Show, 3B-the fibreglass company is launching HiPer-tex™ W3030 high performance roving – the third game-changing product in the company’s benchmark series of innovative solutions for wind turbine rotor blades.

Specifically developed and engineered for polyester and vinylester resin systems and for resin infusion processes, HiPer-tex™ W3030 roving provides yet another novel option which allows OEMs to manufacture longer and lighter blades for the larger multi-megawatt wind turbines located both onshore and offshore.

In a typical unidirectional polyester or vinylester laminate with an average glass volume fraction of 60%, the new HiPer-tex™ W3030 roving offers:
54-56 GPa E-modulus
1400-1500 MPa tensile strength
Up to 50% improvement in transverse strength
Up to 10 times longer lifetime in fatigue resistance versus traditional E-glass

“Building on the latest sizing advances developed by 3B, HiPer-tex™ W3030 rovings combine the finest high performance glass properties and enhanced sizing compatibility with unsaturated polyester and vinylester resin systems. This new and game-changing roving provides optimum properties for rotor blades created with lower cost resin systems and therefore helps blade manufacturers narrow the gap with higher cost, alternative composite solutions,” comments Luc Peters, 3B wind technical leader.

The new HiPer-tex™ W3030 roving offers up to 10% weight saving for the same design and length when comparing rotor blades manufactured with traditional E-glass. In addition, the turbine blade span can be lengthened by up to 6% while still maintaining the same weight though contributing up to 12% more energy output.

A more consistent laminate quality is achieved as HiPer-tex™ W3030 roving offers better wet-out. Higher shear strength and substantially greater interfibre strength and excellent fatigue performance is provided by the significantly improved resin matrix adhesion when compared with existing high modulus fibre glass in the market place.

Onur Tokgoz, 3B wind energy global business leader adds: “3B’s technological expertise and manufacturing know-how delivers reliable, high performance, sustainable and cost competitve solutions for wind energy applications especially designed for the challenging and bigger multi-megawatt turbine blades.”

Other recently launched products in 3B’s game-changing range of rovings for wind turbine blades include HiPer-tex™ W2020 and SE2020 made with Advantex® glass, both specifically designed and engineered for epoxy resin systems used in resin infusion or prepreg processes.

Tokgoz goes on to say, “Focusing on a specific resin system and developing dedicated sizing technology enables us to better meet customers’ needs and respond to one of the key priorities of the wind energy industry which is to reduce the overall cost of generating electricity. Our new benchmark series designed for multi-megawatt turbine blades manufactured from either polyester, vinylester or epoxy resin is a step closer to providing a solution to reduce the cost per kWh.”

About 3B-the fibreglass company
3B-the fibreglass company is a leading developer and supplier of fibreglass products and technologies for the reinforcement of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. This dynamic and entrepreneurial company has two state-of-the-art fibreglass manufacturing facilities in Battice, Belgium and Birkeland, Norway as well as a dedicated R&D Centre located in the heart of Europe. 3B’s ambition is to be the thermoplastic reinforcement global leader, the wind energy solution provider and the business development partner for innovative composite applications. This growth agenda builds upon three strategic drivers that are sustainability, technological innovation and a global presence to most effectively service our international customers. 

The company operates two unique eco-responsible and high performance glass technologies manufacturing Advantex® glass and HiPer-tex™. These two well established brands combine durability with eco-responsibility and versatility, making them the materials of choice for a wide range of industries. With a sound foundation of unique assets, 3B is committed to design reliable and durable fibreglass solutions available globally.