Abstract:
Photovoltaic or solar module frames, racks, or frame or rack components are made from a composition comprising (A) a thermoplastic polymer, particularly a thermoplastic polyolefin, (B) a reinforcing element, particularly glass fiber, (C) a non-halogen containing, intumescent flame retardant, (D) an impact-modifier, particularly a polyolefin elastomer, (E) a coupling agent, and, optionally, (F) one or more additives such as an antioxidant, UV-stabilizer, etc. These frames provide for easy assembly without the need for screws, bolts or other metal fasteners.
Abstract:
Disclosed are polyolefin copolymer films comprising alkoxysilane groups and a catalyst for crosslinking the alkoxysilane groups; wherein the crosslinking catalyst is a Lewis or Bronsted acid or base compound that has a relatively high melting point and therefore initiates the crosslinking essentially only at the lamination temperature, preferably at or above at least 50° C. Also disclosed are films wherein (i) the layer or layers comprising the alkoxysilane groups, including surface layer(s), comprise the crosslinking catalyst; or (ii) layer or layers comprising alkoxysilane groups do not contain crosslinking catalyst and have a facial surface in adhering contact with a layer of a thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer comprising the crosslinking catalyst; or (iii) there is a combination of layers (i) and (ii). Also disclosed are laminated glass structures and processes for their preparation that employ such films. The disclosed laminate structures include safety glass and photovoltaic modules.
Abstract:
An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) an ethylene interpolymer comprising an overall polymer density of not more than 0.905 g/cm3; total unsaturation of not more than 125 per 100,000 carbons; and; up to 3 long chain branches/1000 carbons; vinyl-3 content of less than 5 per 100,000 carbons; and a total number of vinyl groups/1000 carbons of less than the quantity (8000/Mn), wherein the vinyl-3 content and vinyl group measurements are measured by gel permeation chromatography (145°C) and 'H-NMR (125°C), (2) a graft polymer to enhance the adhesion, (3) optionally, free radical initiator or a photoinitiator in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based on the weight of the copolymer, and (3) optionally, a co-agent in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based upon the weight of the copolymer.
Abstract:
Disclosed are thermoplastic resin formulations for use as a light transmitting layer (e.g., encapsulant layer) in a photovoltaic module comprising: (a) a light transmitting thermoplastic resin, (b) at least one down conversion material that exhibits a maximum in incident radiation absorption in the range of 280 to 500 nm and a maximum in radiation emission at a relatively longer wavelength in the range of 400 to 900 nm and improves the efficiency of photovoltaic electric current generation in a photovoltaic module; and (c) a light stabilizer additive that transmits at least about 40 percent of the ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from about 280 nm to about 380 nm. Also disclosed are sheet materials prepared from such resins and photovoltaic modules incorporating such sheet materials.
Abstract:
Disclosure are films based on alkoxysilane -containing polyolefin resins with reduced melt strength, photovoltaic cell laminate structures and methods for their preparation. In the disclosed alkoxysilane -containing polyolefin resin films according to the invention, reduced melt strength is provided by, among other things, using optimized silane initiator ratios and is shown to reduce detrimental film shrinkage and provide improved photovoltaic laminate structures.
Abstract:
An electronic device module such as a solar cell is described. The electronic device module is made using a polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising a tapered block copolymer comprising an A block, and a B block.
Abstract:
An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) a polyolefin copolymer characterized as having has an average Mv and a valley temperature between the interpolymer and high crystalline fraction, The, such that the average Mv for a fraction above ThC from ATREF divided by average Mv of the whole polymer from ATREF (MhC/Mp) is less than about 1.95 and wherein the copolymer has a CDBI of less than 60%, (2) optionally, a vinyl silane, (3) optionally, free radical initiator or a photoinitiator in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based on the weight of the copolymer, and (4) optionally, a co-agent in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based upon the weight of the copolymer.
Abstract:
An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) an ethylene interpolymer comprising an overall polymer density of not more than 0.905 g/cm 3 ; total unsaturation of not more than 125 per 100,000 carbons;; up to 3 long chain branches/1000 carbons; vinyl-3 content of less than 5 per 100,000 carbons; and a total number of vinyl groups/1000 carbons of less than the quantity (8000/M n ), wherein the vinyl-3 content and vinyl group measurements are measured by gel permeation chromatography (145°C) and 1 H-NMR (125°C), (2) grafted vinyl silane, (3) optionally, free radical initiator or a photoinitiator in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based on the weight of the copolymer, and (3) optionally, a co-agent in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based upon the weight of the copolymer.
Abstract:
Impact modified compositions having good impact performance can be made from a thermoplastic ( e.g. , α polyolefin such as polypropylene or HDPE) and a multi-block ethylene/α- olefin interpolymer. The compositions are easily molded and often have particular utility in making, for example, automotive facia, parts and other household articles.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to composite glass laminates and uses thereof in articles in need of protection from mechanical damage and water or oxygen based degradation.