Kynar® film is a multilayer film based on PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) resins. It is used to make the back sheet of photovoltaic panels and serves to protect them from humidity.
Anthony Bonnet, a research scientist at Arkema's Cerdato Research and Development Center, discusses the qualities and potential of this product.
 How did Kynar® film originate?
“Arkema was producing fluoropolymers in granulated form for various applications, including chemicals, paints and battery production. Among these polymers, Kynar® PVDF had insulating properties useful to the photovoltaic sector. But we needed to make it into a film. R&D began to investigate this matter in 2001 and, by 2005, we had developed a suitable format. This film is now used as the back sheet for solar panels, where it provides highly efficient protection against humidity.”
 What are Kynar® film’s characteristics?
“Kynar® film offers excellent protection against humidity. However, we had to prove that it would maintain this property over time. To do this, we subjected samples to extreme conditions (heat, humidity, UV radiation, etc.) in climatic test chambers that accelerate aging.
The results show that Kynar® film offers particularly effective resistance to aging without yellowing or becoming brittle.”
 What are Kynar® film’s development perspectives?
“It’s difficult to offer a new product in the photovoltaic market. Long and complex certification processes for photovoltaic cells mean that companies hesitate to change suppliers.
Nevertheless, 2008 will be a breakthrough year for Kynar® film. Production has expanded exponentially and this growth is expected to continue in France and abroad. There is excellent potential in Germany, Spain and Italy and other promising markets are also developing.
For example, in the United States, a recently enacted California law favoring photovoltaics could set an example for other states.”
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