Adhesives Research (AR), manufacturer of custom pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes, specialty coatings, films, laminates, product authentication and engineered fiber technologies, has launched new bonding adhesives to enhance the capabilities and performance of a variety of photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Specifically for use in flexible thin film PV modules, Adhesives Research’s moisture barrier PSA transfer film technology EL-92734 forms strong, flexible bonds while providing moisture and oxygen barrier properties required for dependable encapsulation. An alternative to liquid encapsulating materials, EL-92734 is a hydrophobic adhesive with excellent thermoxidative and ultra-violet (UV) stability. A benign, low-outgassing, non-corrosive and electrically clean adhesive, this PSA becomes active at 100◦C.

Additional benefits include:
- 1 million optically clear transfer film
- Environmentally stable and chemically resistant
- Good moisture barrier properties, low equilibrium moisture uptake
- High clarity with low haze
- Stable bond with no cure time

For encapsulation, Adhesives Research’s dual-stage PSA/UV ARclear® 90453 offers PV manufacturers an optically clear, unsupported transfer adhesive. Supplied in an easy peel-and-stick format, the first stage demonstrates the instant bonding properties of a pliable PSA. The second stage involves momentary exposure to UV light to quickly form a strong, yet flexible bond as a superior barrier to moisture and oxygen – two key properties for reliable encapsulation.

Additional benefits include:
- Virtually defect-free bonding
- Long-term environmental durability
- Mess-free processing and bonding
- Enables high speed roll-to-roll processing
- Enables elimination of desiccant
- Clean room suitable, polyester release liner, plastic cores, clean room packaging. www.adhesivesresearch.com