News

12 August 2009

 

Shin-Etsu launches materials for PV cell processing and installation modules

Tokyo-based Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd has introduced a range of products designed specifically for the photovoltaic (PV) and solar market.

For thin-film solar cell device manufacturing, Shin-Etsu is offering customized PBN (pyrolytic boron nitride) crucibles, boats and other products for copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) film deposition processes.

Both PBN-coated graphite and pure PBN parts offer high purity and stability with very limited outgassing, says the firm. The ceramic parts are high heat and thermal shock resistant with excellent thermal insulation. PBN is chemically stable and non-toxic, and is resistant to oxidation, while impurities are almost undetectable.

The firm also offers PBN/PG (pyrolytic graphite) heaters and PBN-coated graphite heaters for application-specific solar requirements.

For weatherproofing solar panel junction boxes, Shin-Etsu has also launched new silicone-based potting materials, protecting the electronics encapsulated inside them. These materials quickly cure at room temperature and, after curing, make the junction box both corrosion and moisture proof.

For sealing either the junction box or the PV panel to the frame, new sealing materials offer what is claimed to be superior lap shear strength, fast tack-free/skin-over cure, color and clarity stability and cohesion both before and after curing.

The firm is also offering double stick thermal tape for thermal diffusion of the substrate on the back sheet of the solar module, which helps to increase the overall efficiency. Once applied, the tape offers superior handling, high peeling-shear strength and can be easily reworked.

The new materials have been introduced to the European and Asian marketplaces and are now available to the US market through subsidiary Shin-Etsu MicroSi Inc of Phoenix, AZ, which provides products and materials for photolithography, packaging, solar and flexible printed circuit requirements. All the materials adhere to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) design and safety standards.

Search: Shin-Etsu Chemical PBN crucibles CIGS

Visit: www.shinetsu.co.jp

Visit: www.microsi.com