Silicones seize the daylight
Staff
Electronics CELWith the rapid development of the Global Solar PV Market as the world's fastest growing energy source, Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan) has recently introduced a diverse line of advanced performance, silicone-based products specifically designed for applications that benefit from energy harvesting solar photovoltaics (PV).
Designed to improve reliability and stable operation due to their unique property features, Shin-Etsu’s PV line is comprised of two key product categories that cover potting & sealing applications including potting materials for junction boxes sealing materials for solar panel frames and junction boxes.
KE-200, KE-200F, KE-210 and KE-210F potting materials are designed to weatherproof solar panel junction boxes; thus protecting the valuable electronics encapsulated inside, these two-component silicone potting materials quickly cure at room temperature-making the junction box both corrosion and moisture proof. Major benefits include: superior adhesion strength to various substrates, excellent heat stability – no reversion under airtight conditions, high dielectric breakdown strength, and easy reparability.
KE-45, KE-4828, KE-220 sealing materials for solar panel frames and junction boxes, comprised of one and two-component silicone sealants, are engineered for sealing the junction box (J-Box) to the back sheet and also provide a water proof seal between the PV panel and the frame. Their performance properties include strong adhesion to back sheet materials such as PVF and PET, super fast room-temperature cure, and excellent weatherability and electrical insulation.
Notable PV application benefits for potting:
• Super fast curing at room temperature-panel can be turned over within 60 min.
• Strong adhesion strength to various substrates.
• Excellent weather resistance and heat stability under airtight conditions-no reversion.
• Well suited for automated dispensing equipment-ideal for mass production.
• Reduced low-molecular-weight siloxane S(D3 to D10) <300 ppm.
• UL94 V-0 equivalent (KE-210, KE-210F).
Notable PV application benefits for sealing:
• Super fast room temperature cure (KE-220).
• Excellent adhesive property to the back sheet materials such as PVF and PET.
• Maintains good elasticity over a wide temperature range (-40° to 180°C).
• Superior weatherability and electrical insulation properties.
Eric Bishop is with Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc., ebishop@shinetsusilicones.com.
www.shinetsusilicones.com
