Comparison of physical-mechanical features of polyethylene based polymers employed as sealants in solar cells. Issue 2 (17th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visco, Annamaria; Scolaro, Cristina; Iannazzo, Daniela; Di Marco, Gaetano
• Is Part Of: International journal of polymer analysis and characterization. Volume 24:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2019-02-17
• Subjects: Polyethylene -- sealant -- lap shear test -- calorimetric analysis -- wet ability; Polymers -- Analysis -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1080/1023666X.2018.1551267
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1023-666X

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, we compared the sealing strength, flexibility, thermal stability, and moisture-barrier properties of two polymeric films, both based on linear low density poly ethylene (LLDPE), which can be successfully used as sealant materials in electrical devices. One example is the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), a low-cost third generation device, based on a photo-electrochemical system. Characterization of LLDPE modified with maleic anhydride (PE-MAH) or with ionomeric ethylene-acrylic acid co-polymer (EMAA) was carried out. Results highlighted as PE-MAH exhibits better adhesion features toward glass, higher thermal stability, and lower wet ability even at high temperatures (80 °C) compared to EMAA. Sealant's features have been correlated to their chemical and structural composition.