DuPont’s ‘Kapton’ polyimide films offer improved thin-film performance

November 24, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

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.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

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. 

Read Next

Premium
October 17, 2025
According to Ronak Maheshwari of CRC-IB, there has been a struggle for US renewable power projects to secure necessary equity .
October 17, 2025
Norwegian renewable energy firm Scatec has signed lease agreements for 64MW of solar PV and 10MWh of energy storage capacity in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
October 17, 2025
A group of over 20 US states are suing the Trump administration for the cancellation of the US$7 billion Solar For All Scheme.
October 16, 2025
Masdar and Turkey have entered the final stage of US$1 billion agreement to develop the 1.1GW plant in Bor, Niğde Province, central Turkey.
October 16, 2025
T1 Energy and Nextracker have agreed to use the latter’s steel module frames at the former’s new 5GW module manufacturing facility in Dallas.
October 16, 2025
US utility-scale solar additions grew by 56% in 2024, reaching 30GW from 2023’s 19GW and representing over 54% of all new electricity generation capacity added in the country last year.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK