News

13 October 2010

 

DuPont launches new Kapton films for flexible and thin-film PV applications

DuPont Circuit & Packaging Materials of Wilmington, DE, USA has announced 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 (di)selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic applications; and additional Kapton technologies are in development to further increase the efficiency and lifetime of photovoltaic modules, reduce overall system costs and help the industry reach grid parity faster.

Kapton polyimide films have a unique combination of electrical, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties that can withstand extreme temperature and other demanding environments with high performance, reliability and durability, claims Robert G. Schmidt, new business development manager, Photovoltaics. “They have made innovative design solutions possible in a range of industries over the last 40 years, including aerospace, automotive and industrial applications; and we are continuing to put science to work to increase efficiency and performance for the flexible and thin-film photovoltaic industry,” he adds.

The new products include:

• Kapton PV9101 for ease of manufacturing and robust mechanical performance;

• Kapton PV9102 for ease of manufacturing and increased productivity; and

• Kapton PV9103 (which will be available later this year) for maximum productivity. 

In thin-film a-Si modules and CIGS applications, the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the substrates at elevated deposition temperatures are critical to producing cells with maximum efficiency and yields. DuPont says that the low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature and low shrinkage of Kapton polyimide films help to minimize stress at the interface with other materials of construction, during both processing and end use in temperature extremes. The thermal stability of Kapton films also allows processing temperatures in excess of 400ºC.

The firm says that Kapton PV series polyimide films provide roll-to-roll processing capability, low moisture uptake and high moisture release characteristics, good electrical properties and increased voltage endurance, and ceramic-filled versions to increase corona resistance and thermal conductivity. 

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions is exhibiting at this week's Solar Power International 2010 event in Los Angeles (12–14 October).  

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Visit: http://photovoltaics.dupont.com

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