Abstract: Multi-layered protective backsheet for solar modules comprising in this order (i) an optional top layer (layer (i)), (ii) an insulating layer (layer (ii)), (iii) a back layer (layer (iii)), wherein between each layer there may or may not be one or more sublayers, wherein the top layer (i), the insulating layer (ii) and the back layer (iii) contain a polyolefin as the major component, wherein the polyolefin is selected from polyethene homo- and copolymers (PE's) and polypropene homo- and copolymers (PP's) and preferably the insulating layer (ii) has a thickness of at least 210 or at least 310 ?m. Also provided are solar modules containing the backsheets and methods for making the backsheets and for making solar modules containing the backsheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising the steps of: (i) providing an essentially solvent-free mixture comprising one or more free radically polymerizable monomers having one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one free-radical polymerization initiator, (ii) partially polymerizing said mixture to provide a partially polymerized mixture exhibiting a Brookfield viscosity of between 1,000 and 125,000 mPa·s at 20° C. and a degree of conversion of monomers to polymer of between 30-60 wt. % with respect to the initial mass of the monomers prior to polymerization, (iii) adding one or more free-radical radiation polymerization initiators to the partially polymerized mixture to provide a radiation-curable precursor, (iv) applying the radiation-curable precursor to a substrate, and (v) further polymerizing the radiation-curable precursor by subjecting it to actinic irradiation to provide said pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a free-radically radiation-curable, solvent-free and printable precursor of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the precursor comprising: (i) 30-75 wt. % of one or more mono(meth)acrylate functional oligomer compounds at least one of said oligomer compounds comprising at least one urethane bond, (ii) 0-15 wt % of one or more poly(meth)acrylate functional oligomer compounds, (iii) 5-45 wt. % of one or more monomer compounds comprising one ethylenically unsaturated group, (iv) 0-5 wt. % of one or more monomer compounds comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups, and (v) an effective amount of one or more free radical photoinitiators, wherein the percentages which are percentages by weight with respect to the mass of the precursor, are selected so that the precursor has a dynamic viscosity at 20° C. and at a shear rate of 100 s?1 of between 300 to 15,000 mPa·s.

Abstract: A process for crosslinking a melt-processed polymer composition comprises the steps of (a) forming a polymerizable mixture comprising (i) at least one monoethylenically-unsaturated monomer or prepolymer and (ii) at least one monoethylenically-unsaturated, blocked mono- or polyisocyanate that is thermally stable at a selected melt processing temperature range and that is thermally deblockable at and above a deblocking temperature that is higher than the selected melt processing temperature range; (b) exposing the polymerizable mixture to transmissive energy to polymerize the mixture to form a polymer composition comprising polymerized units derived from the blocked mono- or polyisocyanate; (c) melt processing the polymer composition at the selected melt processing temperature range to form a melt-processed polymer composition; and (d) during melt processing or thereafter, increasing the temperature of the melt-processed polymer composition to the deblocking temperatures in the presence of at least one isocyana

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive is obtainable by a process comprising polymerizingan ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid having a non-tertiary alcohol comprising 4 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain (component A) in the presence ofat least one kind of a naturally occuring polysaccharide except hydrolyzed starch, cellulose ethers and cellulose esters (component B),radical chain initiators (component C).The pressure sensitive articles manufactured from the pressure sensitive adhesive have improved properties. In particular, the articles are repositionable and the adhesion under humid conditions is improved when cellulose powder is used as component B.