Henkel's sustainable technology leadership was on show recently in Beijing, China, where the company displayed the first ever Germanischer Lloyd (GL) certified polyurethane blade bonding adhesive, Macroplast UK 1340. Leveraging  the fundamental differences between polyurethane and traditional epoxy based adhesives, manufacturers of wind turbine blades can substantially increase the speed of production due to fewer steps and faster curing, reduce the incidence of the risk of stress cracking in bondlines, and expect longer life for dispensing equipment and molds. Henkel produces a complete range of adhesives, coatings and lubricants for the manufacture and maintenance of wind generators under its industry leading Loctite, Frekote, Bonderite, Teroson and P3 brands.

Henkel systematically focuses on sustainable development throughout the value chain - working with its customers on developing new products and technologies that reduce energy consumption in the production process and introducing products that are more ecologically friendly. For example, many of its adhesive products are water-based and therefore more sustainable for the environment.

Henkel’s technology leadership and commitment to the Wind Power industry was also demonstrated by its partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute, the largest organization for applied research in Europe, to develop a new testing standard for structural adhesive joints in wind turbine blades. The currently common practice using lap shear testing has significant limitations. Henkel’s Mr. Felix Kleiner was on hand at China Wind Power 2009 to explain how Henkel and the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a more comprehensive sub-component test allowing for realistic modeling of mechanical behavior of components under static and dynamic load conditions.  This approach not only promises a more realistic assessment of bondline loads, but also enables future optimization of adhesive volume and requirements.