Olefin Composition Adhesion in Photovoltaic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer used in photovoltaic cell modules has low adhesive strength and is thermally degraded, leading to the generation of toxic gases that deteriorate the device's performance and working environment.

Innovation Solution

An olefin composition with hydrolyzable groups or their hydrolyzed products, combined with a basic hydrolysis catalyst, is used to enhance adhesion strength by forming bonds with substrates, thereby improving the durability and stability of the filler material in photovoltaic cell modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If EVA polymer is used as filler material, then the photovoltaic cell module can be encapsulated, but the adhesive strength is low and durability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the olefin polymer by introducing hydrolyzable groups (such as silane groups) that can undergo hydrolysis and condensation reactions. This changes the polymer from a simple thermoplastic to a material capable of forming crosslinked networks and chemical bonds with substrates, thereby dramatically improving adhesive strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system by combining olefin polymer with hydrolyzable groups and basic hydrolysis catalysts. The resulting material integrates the benefits of olefin polymers (chemical inertness, electrical insulation) with the adhesive properties of hydrolyzed products, forming a multi-functional composite filler material that simultaneously provides encapsulation, adhesion, and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If EVA polymer is used as filler material, then encapsulation is achieved, but thermal degradation occurs and toxic gases are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidtoxic gas generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition of the filler by replacing EVA polymer with olefin polymer containing hydrolyzable groups. This fundamental parameter change alters the thermal degradation pathway, preventing the formation of acetic acid and other toxic gases that result from EVA decomposition, while maintaining encapsulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of thermal degradation into a beneficial process by using controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions of silane groups. Instead of uncontrolled thermal decomposition producing toxic gases, the material undergoes controlled chemical transformations that enhance adhesion and create crosslinked structures, turning a harmful thermal process into a useful bonding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If hydrolyzable groups are added to olefin polymer, then adhesion strength is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the olefin polymer backbone and the hydrolyzable groups into a single integrated material system. Rather than adding separate adhesive layers or treatments, the hydrolyzable groups are incorporated directly into the polymer structure, allowing the same material to provide both structural encapsulation and chemical adhesion functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs self-service by incorporating basic hydrolysis catalysts within the material composition itself. These catalysts automatically trigger the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of the hydrolyzable groups under the processing conditions, eliminating the need for external catalyst application or complex multi-step processing procedures. The material essentially activates its own bonding mechanism during normal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The olefin composition with hydrolyzable groups and a basic hydrolysis catalyst significantly enhances the adhesion strength and thermal stability of the filler, preventing toxic gas generation and maintaining the performance of photovoltaic cell modules.

Implementation Method 1

an olefin polymer that has at least one hydrolyzable group or at least one hydrolyzed product of the hydrolyzable group and a basic hydrolysis catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the hydrolyzable group or reactive functional group may form a physical bond such as a hydrogen bond with a functional group on a surface of the glass substrate, or form a chemical covalent bond via a condensation reaction, thereby improving adhesion strength to the filler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP2634213B1Olefin composition
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP2634213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2634213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2634213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an olefin composition, filler and an optoelectronic device. One illustrative olefin composition may be effectively used as a filling material for various optoelectronic devices.