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Investigation of test methods, material properties and processes for solar cell encapsulantsThe potentially useful encapsulating materials for Task 3 of the Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array project were studied to identify, evaluate, and recommend encapsulant materials and processes for the production of cost-effective, long-life solar cell modules. Materials for study were chosen on the basis of existing knowledge of generic chemical types having high resistance to environmental weathering. The materials varied from rubbers to thermoplastics and presented a broad range of mechanical properties and processing requirements. Basic physical and optical properties were measured on the polymers and were redetermined after exposure to indoor artificial accelerated aging conditions covering four time periods. Strengths and weaknesses of the various materials were revealed and data was accumulated for the development of predictive methodologies. To date, silicone rubbers, fluorocarbons, and acrylic polymers appear to have the most promising combination of characteristics. The fluorocarbons may be used only as films, however, because of their high cost.
Document ID
19770026403
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Willis, P. B.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Baum, B.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1977
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
ERDA/JPL-954527-77/2
NASA-CR-155158
Accession Number
77N33347
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-954527
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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