Adhesives Research, a leading developer and manufacturer of custom pressure-sensitive adhesives tapes, specialty coatings, film and laminates announces several sophisticated bonding technologies at Solar Power International, October 12-14.

GLEN ROCK, PA. (October 2010) - Adhesives Research, 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 applications in crystalline and thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules. The Adhesives Research team will be discussing these technologies and their related applications during Solar Power International in Los Angeles, October 12 - 14.

As an alternative to traditional bonding methods such as soldering for electrical interconnects and liquid epoxies for encapsulation, the new PSA technologies from Adhesives Research offer PV manufacturers reliable bonds that deliver added functionality for enhancing the capabilities and performance of a variety of PV modules. Building upon its proven product track record, Adhesives Research advances the bonding technology options available to PV manufacturers for delivering enhanced product performance, stability and extended product lifespan. 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:

Next Generation of Conductive PSA Bus Bar Technology: Applicable for various solar PV applications including monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon and thin film photovoltaic constructions, this new PSA construction offers enhanced T-joint stability, conductivity and oxidation characteristics. Designed with an adhesive proven for mobile technology applications where stable electrical interconnects are crucial, the next generation bus bar PSA tape offers a firm, cohesive electrically conductive adhesive that reduce micro movement while withstanding thermal cycling and elevated humidity conditions. Additionally, the technology offers:

• Reduced T-joint resistance
• Lower resistance and excellent joint stability in hot ampacity testing (10 amps, 120 °C, 6 days)
• Good thermal shock performance (IEC 61646, -40 - 85 °C)
• Very stable damp heat resistance (85 °C/85% RH).

PSA Technology for Solar Cell Junction Box Applications:
Applicable for monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon and thin film photovoltaic constructions, Adhesives Research's (AR) foam PSA technology is a proven alternative to other tape products or bonding liquids. AR's new die-cuttable foam tape technology is laminated to the junction box, creating a bond directly to the glass, producing a long-term, reliable bond, which outperforms other bonding products in accelerated aging and damp heat tests. Additional benefits include:

• Excellent high temperature performance (up to 120 °C)
• Closed cell 1/25" (40 mil or 1 mm) foam, double-faced construction
• Designed to bond DuPont™ Tedlar® or Tedlar/polyester/Tedlar laminate (TPT) film and polycarbonate
• Good adhesion to glass, metal, TPT and select fluorocarbons
• Heat- and moisture-resistant
• Target UL746C on TPT film and polycarbonate

Encapsulation PSA Technology:
Specifically for use in flexible thin film PV modules, Adhesives Research's heat-assisted encapsulation technology allows for a low temperature encapsulation of the PV cell, creating a barrier to moisture and vapor without compromising sensitive internal components. An alternative to liquid encapsulating materials, AR's PSA offers less mess, ease-of-handing 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

In addition to these new technologies, Adhesives Research also offers a full range of electrically conductive, encapsulation, optically clear and electronically clean PSA technology to meet the specialized needs of PV manufacturers

Founded in 1961, Adhesives Research offers problem-solving capabilities and custom solutions in adhesive polymerization, mixing, adhesive coating and release liner design supported by extensive product development and analytical support. The company's North American and Limerick, Ireland, facilities are certified to the updated ISO 9001:2000 standard.

Adhesives Research's pressure-sensitive adhesives are used around the world in electronics, displays, wireless telecommunications, window fabrication, and the pulp and paper industry, as well as in medical diagnostics and devices, wound care and pharmaceuticals/transdermals. Based in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, Adhesives Research also operates manufacturing facilities in Ireland and Colombia; has sales and marketing offices in Great Britain and Singapore; a representative office in Shanghai, China; and sales representation in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

For more information on Adhesives Research and its products, call 1-800-445-6240 (1-717-235-7979 outside North America) or visit our website at www.adhesivesresearch.com.

Adhesives Research® is a registered trademark of Adhesives Research, Inc., for engineering and design services in the field of pressure-sensitive adhesive systems.

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