Saflex(R) Introduces Embossed Solar Encapsulant for Photovoltaic Market
February 23 2010 - 6:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Unique encapsulant increases throughput while reducing material
usage ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saflex, a
business unit of Solutia Inc. (NYSE:SOA), announces the launch of a
new encapsulant designed specifically to improve solar panel
throughput and processing costs for solar module manufacturers that
use the vacuum encapsulation process. The product, Saflex® PG41, is
a new thin gauge encapsulant that utilizes embossing technology and
marks the latest addition to a fast growing PV encapsulant
portfolio for Saflex. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081029/AQW096LOGO) Embossing
is a mechanical technology that creates 'micro channels' on the
surface of the encapsulant. These channels provide a quick and
efficient manner to remove air during the vacuum encapsulation
process. "It follows the same logic as having treads on a tire,"
comments Christopher Reed, Business Director for Saflex
Photovoltaics. "By embossing the surface, we're providing a means
to speed up the vacuum encapsulation process which then increases
throughput and ultimately lowers processing costs." Saflex
pioneered embossing technology during the 1990's to improve the
vacuum lamination process for manufacturers of automotive
windscreens. "Our company has been innovating products for decades
for use in automotive and architectural applications. We're now
bringing this scale and expertise to the photovoltaic market;
embossed technology is yet another example of what can bring to
module manufacturers," continues Reed. Embossing also pulls more
air out of the module which improves yields by reducing visual
defects due to air bubbles trapped in the encapsulant. This may be
especially important for aesthetic applications, including Building
Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), where optical quality and
appearance is a critical product attribute. Saflex PG41 is a follow
up product to the recently launched Saflex PA41 thin gauge PVB
encapsulant. Like PA41, material usage of PG41 is reduced by 33% by
thinning the encapsulant from 1.14mm to 0.76mm. PG41 is also based
on proven 3G PVB chemistry which is proven to be less moisture
sensitive especially at the edges, even as environmental
conditions, including humidity, fluctuate. The new Saflex PG41 is
the latest addition to a fast-growing portfolio of innovative
encapsulants designed specifically for photovoltaic applications.
Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, provides solar encapsulants to
the solar energy market supported by an 80 year history of
manufacturing excellence, global technical support, and the world's
largest PVB manufacturing base for glazing applications. To learn
more, please go to http://www.saflex.com/PG41 . Notes to Editor:
Saflex® is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc. About Saflex®
Solar Encapsulants Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, serves the
photovoltaic sector by developing durable encapsulating solutions
for solar module production. With proven 3G PVB technology, an
extensive global network of technical specialists, and the world's
largest PVB manufacturing base for encapsulants, Saflex is uniquely
positioned to help solve the challenges of a fast-growing, and ever
changing, solar energy market. About Solutia Inc. Solutia is a
market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals
company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better
life through a range of products, including: Saflex® PVB interlayer
for encapsulated solar modules; CPFilms(TM) aftermarket window
films sold under the LLumar® brand and others; and technical
specialties including the Flexsys® family of chemicals for the
rubber industry, Skydrol® aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol®
heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each
of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis,
Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately
3,100 employees in more than 50 locations. More information is
available at http://www.solutia.com/ . Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which
can be identified by the use of words such as "believes,"
"expects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or
"anticipates," or other comparable terminology, or by discussions
of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements are based on
management's current expectations and assumptions about the
industries in which Solutia operates. Forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to
significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results
or achievements to be materially different from the future results
or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, those risk and uncertainties described in Solutia's
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under "Cautionary
Statement About Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors", and
Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These reports can be
accessed through the "Investors" section of Solutia's website at
http://www.solutia.com/ . Solutia disclaims any intent or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in
response to new information, unforeseen events, changed
circumstances or any other occurrence.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081029/AQW096LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Solutia Inc. CONTACT:
Media, Melissa Zona, +1-314-674-5555, or Investors, Susannah
Livingston, +1-314-674-8914, both of Solutia Inc. Web Site:
http://www.solutia.com/
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