Arkema, a global chemical company, has developed two new polymers and specific organic peroxide grades to address the major challenges in the solar industry.
A solar panel has a lifetime ranging from 20 to 30 years and hence, the components in the panel have to provide excellent and long-lasting performance. The company has also developed a nanostructured thermoplastic for the next-generation thin film solar panels.
Currently, polymers are key materials in several solar panel components and they are employed to cover the silicon cells and shield the electrical elements present at the rear side of the panel. Kynar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Evatane ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are two innovative polymers that offer these features for a long term.
In the design of a solar panel’s backsheet, Kynar PVDF acts as a major component. The material has exceptional resistance to UV, temperature and moisture. Arkema and Krempel, a Geramn-based company, have partnered to develop a three-layer coat that includes the application of two Kynar layers on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) core layer. Evatane EVA is used to encapsulate the solar cells and it provides good adhesion over glass. This polymer prevents yellowing over time and offers high transparency. Luperox Solar are specific organic peroxide grades that decrease EVA curing time and accelerates solar panel throughput.
Apolhya Solar is the recently developed thermoplastic polymer that is used to encapsulate thin layer PV module components. It integrates perfect transparency with creep resistance, adhesiveness and thermomechanical properties. Apolhya Solar prevents the need for curing, thus saving panel manufacturing process time.
Source: http://www.arkema.com/