Characterization of polyoxymethylene for backsheets of photovoltaic modules

Abstract

This article describes and evaluates the basic properties and the damp heat (85%RH, 85℃) aging behaviour of a 400 µm thick titanium dioxide filled polyoxymethylene film for potential use as backsheet in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The polyoxymethylene monolayer was characterized using analytical methods and technological tests. The stabilizer package contained Tinuvin 234, Tinuvin 770 and Irganox 245. The less than 1 wt% pigmentation resulted in 0.680 solar optical reflectance. The slightly anisotropic mechanical properties elastic modulus and strength were within the requirements for backsheets. Damp heat exposure triggered degradation, stabilizer loss and lead to optical properties degrading (yellowing). However, neither premature embrittlement nor a critical loss of ultimate mechanical properties was found after 5005 h of aging. Hence, polyoxymethylene was classified as a potential candidate for backsheet core layers.