Materials | technology PHOTOVOLTAICS


PP grades for solar backsheets


Borealis has launched a co-extruded polypropylene (PP) solar backsheet for photovoltaic applications at the recent Intersolar Europe exhibition. The core and outer layers


of the Icosolar CPO 3G backsheet film are made using Borealis’ new umbrella brand for solar grades and products, called Quentys. Two grades of Quentys – SF700CL and SF900WL – will be sold directly to its new manufac- turing partner, Isovoltaic, which then produces the solar backsheet at its plant near Graz in Austria. Borealis says the backsheet will boost the operational reliability of PV modules due to: increased module output, thanks to high reflectivity; superior water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and acetic acid permeability; and, high hydrolytic stability and insulation properties. Because there are no


adhesive layers, there is no risk of inner-layer delami- nation. Also, co-extruded PP – as a single-step produc- tion technology – ensures high production quality and homogeneity, and reduces manufacturing complexity, which further increases its appeal as a replacement for conventional PET-based backsheets, says the company. ❙ www.borealisgroup.com


www.filmandsheet.com GEOMEMBRANES


EPDM membrane saves cost in hazardous site maintenance


GSE Environmen- tal has developed a patented synthetic grass capping system, for long-term closure of environments such as solid and hazardous waste landfills, coal ash impoundments and mining containment sites. The company says that its


LiteEarth is an economical alternative to traditional capping systems – which require 3-5 feet of soil, infill


CAPACITOR FILM


PEI resin meets demand for high temperature dielectric film capacitors


Sabic has entered the high temperature film capacitor market, by developing a polyetherimide (PEI) capacitor film.


Ultem film UTF120 is a high heat, high energy density dielectric film that meets the stringent technical demands for use in professional-grade dielectric film capacitors. It exhibits stable properties


through a range of tempera- tures (-40°C to +150°C) and frequency, including stable capacitance, good insulation resistance, high dielectric constant (Dk) and low dissipa- tion factor (Df). The wide operating


temperature capability increases reliability and reduces – or even eliminates


June 2017 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 47


– the need for active cooling for converter applications, says the company.


“Eliminating the need for


active cooling will enable our customers to have a simpler and more flexible system design in electric vehicle application,” said Alan Tsai, director of high performance forms in Sabic’s speciality materials division. “It is also a stepping stone towards next-generation dielectric film products.”


The film has high metal adhesion, superior tempera-


ture dimensional and mechanical stability and is inherently flame retardant. Capacitors using it can pass industry-standard 260°C reflow soldering processes. Potential applications include automotive compo- nents such as DC/DC converters, electrical compressors and high-inten- sity discharge (HID) lighting, and film capacitors for mass transportation and renewable energy. ❙ www.sabic.com


It comprises an EPDM geomembrane that is factory- bonded to synthetic


grass. It is manufactured


and grass. Eliminating these materials reduces the cost of design, construction, and natural resources, as well as saving money in annual maintenance costs.


with a UV stabiliser to help retain its colour and tensile properties. The system installs quickly and easily using trenchless earth anchors and a seaming process that does not require welding, stitching or sand ballast. ❙ www.gseworld.com


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