Shanghai Petrochemical's carbon fiber used for world’s longest onshore wind turbine blades

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical’s 48K large-tow carbon fiber has been utilized by Sany Heavy Energy in the production of the world’s longest onshore wind turbine blades.

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical’s 48K large-tow carbon fiber has been used to produce the world’s longest onshore wind turbine blades.

Carbon fiber is with a carbon content of over 90%. It weighs less than one-fourth of steel and is seven to nine times stronger. The material offers exceptional corrosion resistance and outstanding mechanical properties.

The mentioned carbon fibers are specifically designed for wind power applications, with a count exceeding 48,000 filaments per bundle, known as 48K, which are also referred to as large-tow carbon fibers.

The first batch of 131-meter-long onshore wind turbine blades, the world's longest, has successfully rolled off the production line. They are equivalent to the height of a 45-story building and a width capable of accommodating 340 adults standing shoulder to shoulder.

The production of large-scale wind turbine blades must meet requirements such as lightweight, high strength, and high rigidity. Traditional glass fiber materials for blades usually reach performance limits when exceeds 120 m length.

However, these world’s longest wind turbine blades succeed in exhibiting outstanding mechanical performance with significant weight reduction.