Moisture Absorption and Desorption in an Ionomer-Based Encapsulant:A Type of Self-Breathing Encapsulant for CIGS Thin-Film PV Modules

As an alternative to conventional encapsulation concepts for a double glass photovoltaic(PV)module,we introduce an innovative ionomer-based multi-layer encapsulant,by which the application of additional edge sealing to prevent moisture penetration is not required.The spontaneous moisture absorption and desorption of this encapsulant and its raw materials,poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid)and an ionomer,are analyzed under different climatic conditions in this work.The relative air humidity is thermodynamically the driving force for these inverse processes and determines the corresponding equilibrium moisture content(EMC).Higher air humidity results in a larger EMC.The homogenization of the absorbed water molecules is a diffusion-controlled process,in which temperature plays a dominant role.Nevertheless,the diffusion coefficient at a higher temperature is still relatively low.Hence,under normal climatic conditions for the application of PV modules,we believe that the investigated ionomer-based encapsulant can“breathe”the humidity:During the day,when there is higher relative humidity,it“inhales”(absorbs)moisture and restrains it within the outer edge of the module;then at night,when there is a lower relative humidity,it“exhales”(desorbs)the moisture.In this way,the encapsulant protects the cell from moisture ingress.

Moisture absorption properties of biomimetic laminated boards made from cross-linking starch/maize stalk fiber

In the research,three kinds composite materials of biomimetic laminated boards made from cross-linking starch/maize stalk fiber-the single layer jute fiber reinforced maize stalk fiber boards,the dual layer jute fiber reinforced maize stalk fiber boards,the jute fiber hybrid reinforced maize stalk fiber boards were obtained according to the formulation of cross-linking maize starch adhesive and the preparation process of composite materials.The hygroscopicity variation of the biomimetic laminated boards made from cross-linking starch/maize stalk fiber was investigated under different relative humidity conditions.The moisture absorption rate and the variation velocity were used as important evaluation indexes to evaluate the moisture absorption properties of the straw fiber composites.The mathematical models of the moisture absorption rate and the variation velocity were established.The hygroscopicity variation curves of three kinds of composite materials were measured under the five different relative humidity conditions.The results showed that the three kinds composites had low moisture absorption rate compared with other stalk fiber composites which were good at water resistance and the waterproof property of the three kinds stalk fibers were excellent under the experimental conditions.The research provides a useful reference to improve the water resistance of fiber composites and a new idea on the development and application of the biodegradable composites,especially the straw fiber reinforced composites.

Water Absorption Capacity and Coating Adhesion on Thermally Modified and Not-Modified Spruce Wood(Blue Stained or Free of Blue Stained)

This study aimed to investigate the water absorption capacity of thermally modified and non-modified spruce and blue-stained spruce wood.The wettability of wood depends on various factors,including its type,density,porosity,and surface treatment.Wood can swell and become distorted when exposed to water or humidity,impacting its structural integrity.Hence,it is crucial to consider the water and water vapour uptake in the wood when choosing materials for applications that are likely to be exposed to moisture.Various moisture absorption tests were conducted to assess water absorption capacity,including short-term and long-term water absorption and water vapour absorption.The results showed a significant difference in the long-term exposure to water,which was related to the density of the wood.The study examined the influence of thermal treatment on the physical properties of wood and observed significant variations in mass change due to coating,indicating differences in adhesion among different wood types.Vacuum-treated blue-stained Norway spruce demonstrated higher adhesion(5%–15%)compared to air-treated samples.Furthermore,cohesion tests revealed lower cohesion force in blue-stained Norway spruce(approximately 20%–30%)compared to Norway spruce.The study also used industry-standard tests to investigate the adhesion and cohesion of nano-coatings on wood surfaces.The results provided valuable information on the properties of coatings applied to wood,which is vital in protecting and decorating wood while also providing preventive protection against wood pests,weathering,and mechanical influences.Wood modification in vacuum involves subjecting the wood to a low-pressure environment to remove air and moisture,allowing for deeper and more uniform penetration of treatment chemicals.In contrast,wood modification in air relies on the natural circulation of air to facilitate the absorption of chemical treatments,without the need for a vacuum chamber.

Drying Technology and Formation Process of Naomai Xingshen Capsules

[Objectives]To optimize the drying technology and formation process of Naomai Xingshen Capsules.[Methods]The yield of paste powder and moisture content as evaluation indicators were taken as indicators,the relative density of feed liquid,inlet air temperature and dosage of excipients were selected as investigation factors,the orthogonal experiment method was used to optimize the spray drying process.The moisture absorption rate and angle of repose were taken as evaluation indicators,the types of forming excipient were screened,and the critical relative humidity was determined.[Results]The optimum spray drying process was that the relative density of liquid medicine was 1.05(60℃),the air inlet temperature was 200℃,and the dosage of excipients was 2%.The effect of using dextrin as a forming excipient was better,and the relative humidity of the production environment should be controlled below 65%.[Conclusions]The optimized process is stable,feasible,scientific and reasonable,and can be used for large-scale industrial production.

Experimental study on the influence of temperature and humidity on the thermal conductivity of building insulation materials

At present,thermal conductivity is usually taken as a constant value in the calculation of building energy con-sumption and load.However,in the actual use of building materials,they are exposed to the environment with continuously changing temperature and relative humidity.The thermal conductivity of materials will inevitably change with temperature and humidity,leading to deviations in the estimation of energy consumption in the building.Therefore,in this study,variations in the thermal conductivity of eight common building insulation materials(glass wool,rock wool,silica aerogel blanket,expanded polystyrene,extruded polystyrene,phenolic foam,foam ceramic and foam glass)with temperature(in the range of 20-60°C)and relative humidity(in the range of 0-100%)were studied by experimental methods.The results show that the thermal conductivity of these common building insulation materials increased approximately linearly with increasing temperature with maxi-mum growth rates from 3.9 to 22.7%in the examined temperature range.Due to the structural characteristics of materials,the increasing thermal conductivity of different materials varies depending on the relative humidity.The maximum growth rates of thermal conductivity with humidity ranged from 8.2 to 186.7%.In addition,the principles of selection of building insulation materials in different humidity regions were given.The research re-sults of this paper aim to provide basic data for the accurate value of thermal conductivity of building insulation materials and for the calculation of energy consumption.