Radiation Resistant Elastomer Containing POSS, Phenylsiloxane and Ce(IV) Compositions for a Space Solar Cell Adhesive

There is an unmet need for an adhesive for advanced multiple-junction space solar cells to provide improved long-term resistance to electron, proton and UV radiation, while maintaining high transparency over the range of 400 nm to 2000 nm. The adhesive must also provide robust adhesion to the solar cell and cover glass in order to avoid delamination caused by the extreme thermal cycles of space. Oxazogen proposes a multiply-functionalized low Tg elastomer containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), phenylsiloxane and Ce(IV) compositions for this application. The combination of POSS, phenylsiloxane and Ce(IV) compositions will lead to improved proton, electron and VUV/UV resistance, and enable the maintenance of high transparency over the range of 400 nm to 2000 nm for an extended life time. The adhesive will also have outstanding adhesion to the solar cells and cover glass due to the incorporation of multiple adhesive functionalities.