Mechanical Engineering for Society and Industry
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Issue in Progress

A comprehensive review of silicon-based composite materials for wind and hydropower applications: Properties, performance, and industrialization barriers

Nasmi Herlina Sari (University of Mataram, Indonesia)
Sulhaini (University of Mataram, Indonesia)
Muhammad Nabil Fadhlurrohman Rivlan (University of Mataram, Indonesia)
Senthil Muthu Kumar Thiagamani (Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, India)
Ahmad Ilyas Rushdan (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Indonesia)
Catalin Iulian Pruncu (Politecnico di Bari, Italy)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Jul 2026

Abstract

Silicon-based composites (SBC) are gaining popularity as sophisticated materials for renewable energy systems that operate under harsh mechanical, thermal, and environmental conditions. This research presents a critical and comparative evaluation of SBC for wind and hydropower applications by combining quantitative performance data, component-level viability, and industrialization problems such as scalability and cost considerations. Reinforcement topologies ranging from particle and short fibers to continuous, along with essential processing techniques such as chemical vapor infiltration, melt infiltration, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis, and new additives. The fundamental mechanical, thermal, tribological, and chemical durability qualities are examined in terms of the predominant deformation, damage, and degradation mechanisms. The performance of SBC under actual service conditions—such as cyclic loading, erosion-corrosion, cavitation, and harsh environments—is examined and compared to traditional glass- and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Aside from technical features, the review is unusual in that it includes industrialization and commercialization views, identifying scale-up impediments, quality control issues, and technology-market misalignments that prevent acceptance. To connect material-level advantages with system-level benefits, business model archetypes and risk-sharing techniques are thoroughly evaluated. This study frames silicon-based composites as high-performance materials for next-generation wind and hydroelectric infrastructure, as well as strategic directions for accelerating their industrial application.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

mesi

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering Transportation

Description

Aims Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering science that combines the principles of physics and engineering mathematics with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems (mechanics, energy, materials, manufacturing) in solving complex engineering ...