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| Lexan EXL copolymer resin  SABIC's Innovative Plastics business announced a new, high-performance Lexan EXL copolymer resin that addresses the fast-moving trend toward miniaturization of photovoltaic (PV) connectors and junction boxes. The enhanced electrical and flame-retardant performance of the new Lexan EXL resin grade enables designers to miniaturize the entire system by creating thin-wall parts, moving conductors closer together and integrating junction box systems – helping to drive down solar energy costs and increase efficiency. New Lexan EXL resin helps customers strengthen their competitive footing by contributing significantly to the benefits of PV systems and further accelerating the move to solar energy.The PV market is one of the most dynamic global sectors, with compounded annual growth rates above 20 percent and significant attention as a viable and growing mainstream alternative energy source. "SABIC provides specialized materials that enable our photovoltaic customers to improve the value of solar energy as a cost-effective environmental solution," said Andrew Kodis, solar marketing director, Innovative Plastics. "Our focus on the photovoltaic market reflects SABIC's active support for environmental trends such as alternative energy, which depend upon technological breakthroughs to make them economically feasible. Our broad portfolio of materials contributes to sustainability in many different ways, particularly by enabling new design approaches." Several factors are now converging to drive miniaturization in the photovoltaic industry, including efficiency advancements and increased home use of solar panels, calling for flatter, unobtrusive and sometimes integrated designs. "As leaders in the development of polycarbonate for nearly 60 years, we are able to leverage our deep knowledge and industry expertise to foster innovations in solar that help our customers achieve their sustainability objectives," Kodis said. The new Lexan EXL 9330S grade surpasses traditional materials in its electrical performance as demonstrated by a comparative tracking index (CTI) Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard with PLC-2 rating. Compliance with this tough standard means Lexan EXL 9330S copolymer resists arcing in the presence of moisture and salts and, therefore, can be used in parts that are placed closer together (4 mm vs. 12 mm under Class 3). The flame-retardant material also complies with the UL94 V0 standard at 0.8 mm, allowing thinner-wall parts to be designed. In addition, Lexan EXL 9330S copolymer provides exceptional low- and high-temperature impact resistance (from -40 °C to 70 °C) and corrosion resistance for good long-term performance and weatherability in a range of demanding outdoor environments. With its processing advantages of easy flow for cost-effective thin-wall designs and high throughput, plus easy release from the mold, Lexan EXL 9330S copolymer can reduce the total injection molding cycle time by up to 40 percent. Pottants and sealants are used in the PV industry to attach the junction boxes and connectors to the solar panel. Alcohol based sealants and pottants are typically compatible with Lexan EXL materials and are recommended for use with the same. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Construction News :: home page |