Organic Peroxides in Photovoltaics

Arkema has your solution for polymer encapsulant crosslinking agents in the Photovoltaic Module.

A key component of solar modules is an encapsulant.  Luperox^® organic peroxides are used as crosslinking agents in Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) encapsulant film where it crosslinks the EVA film during the lamination cycle of Photovoltaic (PV) module production. 

Luperox^® organic peroxide is an industry standard brand of peroxides sold globally.  Arkema's research and development is based in King of Prussia, PA and Pierre-Benite, France.  Additional improvements of EVA crosslinking and extrusion capabilities continue to be researched at both locations and products are manufactured in all major regions of the globe.

Arkema has also developed EVA masterbatches, with pre-dispersed peroxides, Luperox^® Solar Cure organic peroxid and Luperox^® Solar Fast organic peroxide.  These products are produced in Europe and available globally.  (See innovations flyer at right)

Our R&D facilities have extensive testing capabilities for current peroxide offerings and new developments.  Crosslinkable films can be analyzed for crosslink speed and density via rheometer equipment.  Arkema's professional scientists are capable of recommending suitable compounding temperatures and residence times for melt extrusion compounding and film formation.  With such data and several extruders, Arkema's scientists can extrude films that allow for future development offerings.  

Benefits of Crosslinking EVA with organic peroxides:

• Increased tensile strength
• Increased modulus
• Decreased polymer crystallinity
• Decreased creep (% elongation)

Properties of organic peroxides used in EVA:

Trade Name	10 hr. -T1/2°C	1 hr. - T1/2°C	% Active Oxygen (by weight)	SADT, °C	Maximum Storage Temperature	% Assay/ Description	Packaging (other sizes may be available)
Luperox® 101	120	140	10.25-10.47	86 (30# cube)	38°C/100°F	93-95% Liquid1	35 lb. nampack
Luperox® TBEC	100	121	>6.17	65 (35# ctn)	32°C/90°F (<85°F pref )	>95% Liquid	35 lb. nampack
Luperox® 231	96	115	>9.73	60 (HAST)	32°C/90°F	>92% Liquid	35 lb. nampack

¹Also available diluted in OMS or mineral oil  

Additional information on crosslinking EVA.

To learn more about using these products in your applications contact:

Jason Pomante Commercial Development Manager Phone: +1.215.419.5407 Fax: +1.610.459.5716

Customer Service - 1-800-331-7654