Abstract: A composition and method for encapsulating a solar cell which minimizes thermal discoloration, or browning, of the encapsulant. The composition includes an EVA encapsulant, a curing agent and one of two particularly well-suited hindered amine light stabilizers, either O,O-t-Amyl-O-(1,2,2,6,6-Pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) mono-peroxycarbonate or Poly[(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine-ethanol)-co-dimethyl succinate]. Alternatively, if the selected hindered amine light stabilizer is O,O-t-Amyl-O-(1,2,2,6,6-Pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) mono-peroxycarbonate, the curing agent need not be included. The composition is applied to a solar cell then cured. The cured product withstands thermal exposure and resists thermal discoloration.

Abstract: A formulation for forming a low surface-energy surface on a substrate having (i) a fluoroalkyl silane having a low surface energy part, (ii) a liquid crystal silane operable for enhancing the orientation of the molecules of the fluoroalkyl silane and for crosslinking with the fluoroalkyl silane, and, (iii) a transport medium for applying the fluoroalkyl silane and the liquid crystal silane to the surface of a substrate. In one embodiment the formulation can includes a crosslinking agent for crosslinking the fluoroalkyl silane. In another embodiment the formulation has a condensation catalyst for enhancing chemical bonding of the fluoroalkyl silane to the substrate. The transport medium can be an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol.

Abstract: A method of predicting aging of polymers operates by heating a polymer in the outdoors to an elevated temperature until a change of property is induced. The test is conducted at a plurality of temperatures to establish a linear Arrhenius plot which is extrapolated to predict the induction period for failure of the polymer at ambient temperature. An Outdoor Photo Thermal Aging Reactor (OPTAR) is also described including a heatable platen for receiving a sheet of polymer, means to heat the platen and switching means such as a photoelectric switch for turning off the heater during dark periods.