3B-the fibreglass company confirms its commitment to the wind industry

Battice, Belgium – November 2, 2010 – 3B-the fibreglass company is committed to play a leading role in the development of composite reinforcement solutions for the wind industry and to establish long term partnerships with customers. 3B’s unrivalled levels of competence in fibreglass development and technology will help develop a more sustainable future throughout the complete wind solutions value chain.

3B operates two unique eco-responsible and high performance glass technologies, Advantex® and HiPer-tex™. Building on those two brands, 3B offers a complete range of wind solutions.

With its high mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and clean manufacturing technology, Advantex® is the ideal reinforcement for the composite parts like blades, nacelle covers, drive shafts, etc.

With its high strength, high modulus and high elongation at break, HiPer-tex™ is the solution for longer blades –for both onshore and offshore. This recent groundbreaking technology allows for longer blade lengths with no weight increase; this means higher turbine efficiency, leading to a lower cost per kWh.

3B Continuous Filament Mat -a non-woven filament mat made of Advantex® glass filaments- allows for a fast infusion process with excellent flow and reduced infusion time thanks to its high permeability.

TYCOR® W is an engineered core for lighter, larger, more efficient wind turbine blades. Significantly lighter than infused coated balsa and structural foam, TYCOR® W offers an efficient alternative to balsa wood, PVC and SAN foam in blades. In addition, TYCOR® W uses less resin. TYCOR® W’s ability to both save weight and reduce resin usage offers measureable cost efficiencies.

Regarding Offshore Solutions, both 3B unique technologies, Advantex® and HiPer-tex™, represent the best-in-class glassfibre reinforcements for composite materials exposed to harsh conditions such as offshore wind turbine blades. Furthermore, HiPer-tex proves to be the solution for multi megawatt blade designs to achieve longer blade lengths which is required for off-shore blades.

Onur Tokgoz, Wind Energy Global Business Leader of 3B stated: “The vision of a cleaner, affordable, reliable and globally accessible energy inspires us. This is why 3B’s ambition is to be the wind energy solution provider besides to be the thermoplastic global leader, and the business developer of specialty composite applications. Also, 3B is committed to confirm, accelerate and lead in the development of composite reinforced solutions for the wind industry in close partnerships with clients. Collaborating hand in hand with our partners, we deliver reliable, high performance and eco-responsible wind solutions.”