Cologne, Germany, is the venue for a brand new international conference, Polymers in Photovoltaics 2010, on April 21 and 22. The conference will review the latest developments concerning polymers for the manufacture of photovoltaic panels, and involve the main players of the photovoltaics sector: researchers, component and module manufacturers, testing institutes, and contractors. Arkema will present its Kynar® PVDF polymer in film form, used for its durability properties in solar panel backsheets.

Kynar® Film, a patented technology developed at CERDATO*, was approved two years ago by KREMPEL, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of film laminates for solar panel backsheets. Arkema has since made significant progress in this fast-growing market: with the backsheet protective film required to provide electrical insulation, reliable UV resistance, and a barrier to moisture, Arkema’s fluoropolymer PVDF has become a key material in this type of application.

The laminated films jointly developed by Arkema and KREMPEL comprise 3 layers, with the fluorinated film as the two outer sides enclosing a PET core layer. Kynar® Film protects the PET from UV ageing very effectively, while also helping waterproof the structure. Hence Kynar® Film contributes to extending the lifetime of photovoltaic panels.
One of the world’s top PVDF producers, Arkema boasts over 40 years’ experience in coating, protection, and PVDF polymer technologies.

* Arkema’s research center devoted to development and innovation in the field of technical polymers

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2009. Arkema has 13,800 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.