Performance Analysis: Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Fumed Silica on Photovoltaic Adhesive Performance
As the core encapsulating material for solar modules, photovoltaic adhesive directly affects the long-term reliability and power generation efficiency of the modules. Due to its high specific surface area and nano-scale effects, fumed silica is widely used to adjust the rheological and mechanical properties of photovoltaic adhesives.
Based on differences in surface chemical properties, fumed silica can be divided into two main categories: hydrophilic and hydrophobic. As key additives in photovoltaic adhesives, hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica, due to differences in surface groups and properties, have varying effects on the adhesive’s consistency, surface dry time, bulk strength, and shear strength.
HIFULL technical team systematically analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of fumed silica in photovoltaic adhesives, providing reference and scientific basis for downstream photovoltaic adhesive customers in formula optimization.
HIFULL®Hydrophilic Fumed Silica in PV Adhesives
Consistency, which measures resistance to flow, is a critical property that affects the application of photovoltaic adhesives. Experimental data show that within the addition range of 0% to 5%, both types of fumed silica exhibit regulatory effects on consistency. Among them, HL-200 shows a greater change in consistency value at the same addition level, indicating a better thickening effect compared to HB-139.
During the bonding process of photovoltaic modules, surface dry time directly affects dispensing efficiency and work efficiency. Test results indicate that at the same addition level, HB-139 has a significant advantage in controlling surface dry time, with a shorter surface dry time, while HL-200 has a longer surface dry time. When the addition level increases from 0% to 5%, the surface dry time of both HB-139 and HL-200 further decreases. However, under the same change in addition level, the rate of change in surface dry time for HB-139 is lower than that for HL-200.
Tensile strength and elongation at break tests reveal the different reinforcing effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica fillers in photovoltaic adhesives. Data show that as the addition level increases from 0% to 5%, the bulk strength of the photovoltaic adhesive continuously increases.
However, at the same addition level, both the tensile strength and elongation at break of HL-200 are higher than those of HB-139, indicating that the reinforcing effect of hydrophilic fumed silica in photovoltaic adhesives is significantly better than that of hydrophobic fumed silica.
In shear tests simulating actual working conditions, the bonding performance of HL-200 and HB-139 alternates in superiority. At a 3% addition level, the shear strength of HL-200 is higher than that of HB-139. However, at a 4% addition level, the shear strength of HB-139 is higher than that of HL-200, and this changes again at a 5% addition level. Overall, it can be concluded that hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica perform similarly in terms of shear strength.
In comparison, it can be seen that hydrophilic fumed silica HL-200 has certain advantages in the bulk strength and rheological control of photovoltaic adhesives, while hydrophobic fumed silica HB-139 has certain advantages in surface dry time. In terms of shear strength, hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica perform similarly. The two types exhibit a complementary nature. With the increasing diversification of photovoltaic module applications, the future demands advanced fumed silica systems that offer fast curing, exceptional weatherability, and long-term durability.
Through precise design of filler surface chemistry, breakthrough improvements in the comprehensive performance of photovoltaic adhesives can be achieved, providing innovative solutions at the material end for cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in the photovoltaic industry.
Hello, Customers
My name is Van, I’m the business manager of HIFULL, I have been in Fumed Silica Industry for more than 10 years. Feel free to contact me. I’m happy to provide you the best service and products.
