Crown’s Encapsulation Portfolio Tuned For Optical And Mechanical Properties

The TaiyangNews Backsheets and Encapsulation Market Survey 2024 / 25 features product specifications from 17 companies, out of which 14 provided data for encapsulation materials. Crown Advanced Material Co., Ltd. has provided data for 10 EVA-based products in this survey, including 8 new additions and 2 previously listed products with updated specifications. All EVA films from Crown are fast cure-based and have been available since 2016. All models in the ISARD series – ISARD 1180, ISARD 1280, ISARD 3180, and ISARD 3280 – share common features, including a fast-curing class, embossed surface finish, and compatibility with lamination processes at temperatures between148 and 153°C. They offer a high adhesive strength to glass, measuring at least 80 N/cm and consistent dimensions, with widths up to 2,200 mm.

Despite these similarities, the models vary in mechanical and optical properties to suit specific applications. ISARD 1180 provides a lower tensile strength of ≥ 5 MPa and elongation of ≥ 400% while ISARD 3180 and ISARD 3280 deliver higher tensile strength of ≥ 10 MPa and elongation of ≥ 450%.In terms of UV management, ISARD 3280 stands out with its ability to convert UV light below 380 nm into blue light, delivering a module power gain of 1-1.5%, while ISARD 1280 provides a UV cut-off at 360 nm to protect module components from potential degradation. Furthermore, ISARD 1180 and ISARD1280 are available in thinner ranges starting from300 μm and 400 μm, respectively, making them suitable for less demanding applications, whereas ISARD 3180 and ISARD 3280 are designed for higher durability with thicknesses starting at 500μm. All products deliver high light transmittance of ≥ 91% for 400-1,100 nm, except for optimized UV protective models, and boast low shrinkage rates of< 4% in MD and < 2% in TD directions (see Optimizing Encapsulation For Next-Gen Solar Modules).

The ISARD 2180 series by Crown, previously listed as a single product in earlier surveys, has now been categorized into 2 variants: High Transparency and Double Resistance. Both variants retain key features, including a fast-curing class, a thickness range of 300-800 μm, a width of up to 2,200 mm, and a transparent color with an embossed finish. They offer tensile strength of ≥ 16 MPa and elongation of≥ 450% in both MD and TD directions. Additionally, they exhibit low shrinkage rates of < 4% in MD and< 2% in TD. Adhesive strength is also high, with ≥ 80N/cm to glass and ≥ 60 N/cm to backsheets. The differences between the 2 variants are primarily performance-based: the High Transparency model offers ≥ 91% light transmittance in the 400 to 1,100nm range, while the Double Resistance variant provides slightly lower transmittance at ≥ 90% (see Encapsulation Sector Balancing Innovation And Cost Pressures In Solar).

Processing conditions are similar for both products, requiring lamination temperatures of 140 to 145°C for High Transparency and 143 to 153°C for Double Resistance. The ISARD 2280 series from Crown now includes3 distinct variants – Cut-off, Light Conversion, and White Film – each tailored to meet specific performance requirements. All 3 variants share key features, including fast-curing capabilities and high mechanical performance. The Light Conversion film has a thickness range of 300 to 800 μm, while the White Film variant ranges from 400 to 800 μm. The ISARD 2280 (Cut-off) variant reduces the risk of PID with light transmittance of ≤ 25% for 280 to 380 nm wavelengths and ≥ 91% for 400 to 1,100 nm. It supports lamination at 143-153°C with a vacuum time of 5 to 6 minutes. The Light Conversion variant improves module efficiency by converting UV light below 380 nm into blue light, offering a 1 to 1.5% power gain. It provides light transmittance of ≥ 80% for wavelengths ranging from 280 to 380 nm and ≥ 90% for the 380 to 1,100 nm. It is suitable for modules exposed to UV, heat, and humidity, with lamination parameters of 140 to145°C.

The White Film variant features a white finish, UV cut-off at 360 nm, and elongation of ≥ 500%. It is designed for high-performance applications and supports lamination at 140 to 150°C.All Crown EVA products are compatible with a lamination cycle time, and the company recommends 5-6 minutes of vacuum time and 10 to 12 minutes of press time. They offer a volume resistivity of 1 × 10¹⁵Ω cm.

For detailed information on Crown’s offerings, please refer to the product description section of the report, which outlines specifications for all 10 EVA-based materials.

The text is an excerpt from the latest TaiyangNews Market Survey on Backsheets & Encapsulation Materials 2024/25, which can be downloaded for free here.