This $300,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award through the Engineering (CFDA 47.041) program supports fundamental research to discover a new class of polymers called Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) and their composites for sustainable manufacturing and recycling of wind turbine blades. The project aims to establish a systematic framework to design, synthesize, and test these reversible CAN materials that combine the stability of thermosets and malleability of thermoplastics. This interdisciplinary collaboration will integrate molecular design, organic material synthesis, and mechanics testing to develop CAN composites that enable cost-effective production and recycling of wind turbine components. The award to the University of Wisconsin System is intended to facilitate the competitiveness and sustainability of wind energy, strengthen the U.S. clean energy industry, and support STEM education and workforce development. No sub-awards are planned under this project.
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