| AVS 65th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Advanced Surface Engineering Division | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session SE-TuA |
| Session: | Wear, Oxidation and Corrosion Protective Coatings |
| Presenter: | Cayla Nelson, University of New Mexico |
| Authors: | C.M. Nelson, University of New Mexico O.K. Abudayyeh, Osazda Energy, LLC Y. Shen, University of New Mexico S.M. Han, University of New Mexico |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
The hot spots created by cell cracks have recently been identified as the most common degradation mode in PV modules.1 Even before they become hot spots, these cracks lead to high series resistance, reduced efficiency, and lost energy. To reduce this degradation, we have been investigating the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) as a reinforcement in metal matrix composites. We have demonstrated that these composites provide gap-bridging capability (> 40 mm), “self-healing,” and fracture toughness against the cracks forming in the substrate and the metal contacts.2-4 To accompany the experimental effort, finite element modeling (FEM) is used to relate the microstructure of the composite to its mechanical properties. The FEM models are compared to mechanical data taken by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The composites are fabricated in a Ag/CNT/Ag layer-by-layer structure. The silver layer can be evaporated or electroplated, and the CNTs are spray-coated. The shape of the composite films is a dog bone structure that can be released from the substrate as a free-standing film. This release is necessary to extract the mechanical properties solely belonging to the composite. Fitting the FEM model to DMA measurements captures qualitative trends of how mechanical properties of the MMC change with CNT volume fraction. Combining mechanical modeling with experimental results provides predictive evaluation of CNT reinforced metal matrix composites.
1 D. C. Jordan, T. J. Silverman, J. H. Wohlgemuth, S. R. Kurtz, and K. T. VanSant, "Photovoltaic failure and degradation modes," Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl.25, 318-326 (2017).
2 O. Abudayyeh, N. D. Gapp, D. M. Wilt, and S. M. Han, "Methods to Mitigate Stress-Induced Metal Line Fractures for Thin-Film Solar Cells, Using Metal-Carbon-Nanotube Composites," Patent No. Application No. PCT/US2016/038197 (2016).
3 O. K. Abudayyeh, G. K. Bradshaw, S. Whipple, D. M. Wilt, and S. M. Han, "Crack-Tolerant Metal Composites as Photovoltaic Gridlines," Appl. Phys. Lett., submitted (2018).
4 O. K. Abudayyeh, N. D. Gapp, C. Nelson, D. M. Wilt, and S. M. Han, "Silver-Carbon-Nanotube Metal Matrix Composites for Metal Contacts on Space Photovoltaics," IEEE J. Photovolt.6, 337-342 (2016).