Bayer MaterialScience has received a $750,000 grant to for the development and testing of a new material for wind turbine blades.
The blades, a carbon nanotube reinforced polyurethane composite, will be used for larger, highly efficient 1.5+ megawatt wind turbines, says company spokesman Bill Allen.
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy, part of a $14 million economic stimulus program that will support 28 wind energy-related projects around the country.
"Sustainability is a primary consideration for everything we do here at Bayer MaterialScience," says Mike Gallagher. director, Government Services Group for Bayer MaterialScience. "So naturally, the opportunity to apply our materials technologies to this important R&D project, which will advance the use of renewable energy, is particularly rewarding."
Bayer MaterialScience produces polymers and high-performance plastics for many industries, including automotive, electrical, construction, medical, sports and leisure. The company employs nearly 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and reported 2008 sales of $14.2 billion.
Source: Mike Gallagher, Bayer MaterialScience