No abstract

No abstract

A study was conducted to understand the wetting phenomena observed in brazing of a Ti-containing active filler metal on sapphire substrates. The goal of the study was to understand the interfacial reactions that permit wetting of commercial Ag-Cu-Ti active filler metal to pure alumina, despite the lower thermodynamic stability of TiO 2 relative to Al 2 O 3 . Based upon transmission electron microscope, electron microprobe, and Auger analyses, it is proposed that two coupled reactions and diffusion of reactants take place. The oxides TiO, Ti 2 O, and Cu 3 Ti 3 O were observed at the braze/ceramic interface. It is suggested that the complex oxide Cu 3 Ti 3 O grows at its interface with TiO, and the oxide TiO is produced by reaction of Ti and sapphire and is subsequently consumed at its interface with Cu 3 Ti 3 O. It is also suggested that Ti 2 O forms from Ti and TiO while cooling from the brazing cycle.

The objective of this study was to investigate the technology used by Spectrolab Inc. to manufacture photovoltaic modules that have provided twenty years of reliable service at Natural Bridges National Monument in southeastern Utah. A field survey, system performance tests, and a series of module and materials tests have confirmed the durability of the modules in the array. The combination of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality controls used by Spectrolab resulted in modules that have maintained a performance level close to the original specifications for twenty years. Specific contributors to the durability of the modules included polyinyl-butyral (PVB) encapsulant, expanded metal interconnects, silicon oxide anti-reflective coating, and excellent solder/substrate solderability.

No abstract