Wacker Chemie Develops Thermoplastic Encapsulant For Solar Modules
Solar Knowledge
Munich, Germany-based chemical company Wacker Chemie AG has developedTECTOSIL, a new thermoplastic encapsulant for the manufacture ofphotovoltaic modules.
The silicone-based elastic polymer sheetis thermo-formable and, therefore, fast and easy to process, thecompany says. It is non-corrosive and can be used with any type ofmodule to provide effective protection against mechanical and chemicalstresses.
Wacker Chemie adds that the polymer is chemicallystable, which minimizes the risk of clouding or yellowing. The sheetdoes not contain catalysts and, upon contact with moisture, does notproduce any substances that might initiate corrosion or damagesurfaces. This allows the sheet to be used for encapsulating solarcells containing films of compound semiconductors (e.g. copper indiumgallium diselenide or cadmium telluride) or other highly sensitivechemical substances (such as transparent conductive oxides)
