DuPont Circuit & Packaging Materials announces the commercial availability of DuPont ‘Kapton’ polyimide films engineered for thin film and flexible photovoltaic substrates. DuPont has developed two key products for Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) modules and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic applications.
Problem
In thin film a-Si modules and CIGS applications, the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of these substrates at elevated deposition temperatures are critical to producing cells with maximum efficiency and yields.
Solution
The low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature and low shrinkage of Kapton polyimide films help minimize stress at the interface with other materials of construction, both during processing and end use in temperature extremes. The thermal stability of the films also allows processing temperatures in excess of 400 degrees Celsius. The DuPont Kapton PV series polyimide films also provide roll-to-roll processing capability, low moisture uptake and high moisture release characteristics, excellent electrical properties and increased voltage endurance, and ceramic-filled versions to increase corona resistance and thermal conductivity.
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Applications
DuPont Kapton PV series polyimide films provide roll-to-roll processing capability, low moisture uptake and high moisture release characteristics, excellent electrical properties and increased voltage endurance, and ceramic-filled versions to increase corona resistance and thermal conductivity. Engineered for thin film and flexible photovoltaic substrates such as Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) substrates.
Platform
DuPont Kapton PV9101 polymide film is designed for ease of manufacturing and robust mechanical performance. DuPont Kapton PV9102 polyimide film is designed for ease of manufacturing and increased productivity; and the DuPont Kapton PV9103 polyimide film, which will be available later this year, is designed for maximum productivity.
Availability
October 2010 onwards. Additional Kapton technologies are said to be in development to further increase the efficiency and lifetime of photovoltaic modules, reduce overall system costs and help the industry reach grid parity faster.