GLEN ROCK, PA -- Adhesives Research (AR) a leading developer and manufacturer of custom pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes (PSAs) specialty coatings, films and laminates announces several sophisticated bonding technologies designed for bus bar, solar cell junction box, and encapsulation barrier applications in crystalline and thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules.

As an alternative to traditional bonding methods, such as soldering for electrical interconnects and liquid epoxies for encapsulation, the new PSA technologies offer PV manufacturers reliable bonds that deliver added functionality for enhancing the capabilities and performance of a variety of PV modules. PSA tapes also offer a number of manufacturing benefits and efficiencies including ease-of-handling, continuous roll formats, and no messy clean-up.

The technologies offer the following benefits:

Barrier Adhesives for PV Cells - Specifically for use in flexible thin film PV modules, Adhesives Researchs barrier technology forms strong, flexible bonds while providing moisture and oxygen barrier properties required for dependable encapsulation. An alternative to liquid encapsulating materials, ARs PSA offers less mess, ease-of-handling and more rapid throughput. A benign, low-outgassing, non-corrosive and electrically clean adhesive, this PSA becomes active at an industry low of 100°C (industry standard is 140°C to 150°C). Additional benefits include:

• Solvent-free thin and thick adhesive film constructions
• Environmentally stable
• High clarity with low color
• UV-resistant
• Designed for rigid and flexible cells

Conductive PSA Bus Bar Technology - In development for PV design, ARclad 92708 is a highly conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive supported by a tin-coated copper foil carrier. Featuring the homogenous conductive adhesive technology used in Adhesives Researchs proven PSA ARclad 90038, ARclad 92708 forms stable conductive bonds to electrical contact points under a wide range of environmental conditions. The 1 oz., single-face foil, coated with 1 mil of enhanced, highly conductive acrylic adhesive enables ARclad 92708 to offers a firm, cohesive, electrically conductive bond that reduces micro movement while withstanding thermal cycling and elevated damp heat conditions.

ARclad 90038 is a 2.4-mil, highly conductive PSA tape featuring a 1-ounce tin-plated copper foil backing and demonstrates excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance for bus bar applications. Adhesives Research also offers a full range of PSA products to complement ARclad 90038 for a number of PV module applications, including electrical interconnections, wire management, bonding and assembly, and encapsulation.