Removal of encapsulant Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) from solar cells of photovoltaic modules (PVMs)

Photovoltaic modules (PVMs) are a very promising way to meet future energy needs. As traditional energy sources aren't sustainable, the only way to meet future energy needs will be through renewable energy sources. The amount of e-waste expected to generated in the near future is an important concern. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulate the solar cell, and this layer must be removed to get to the other materials that can be recycled. EVA can be removed with the help of heat treatment and organic solvents. In this work, the interaction of EVA with different organic solvents was studied. For measuring interaction, the swelling of EVA caused by the organic solvent penetrating and accommodating inside the polymer matrix is considered. The swelling also caused EVA to lose its mechanical strength, making it easy to remove. The reaction of organic solvents with EVA is explained in terms of functional groups of organic solvents. When compared to other solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform can effectively cause EVA swelling. Furthermore, aromatic hydrocarbons interact well with EVA. Aromatic hydrocarbons are relatively better choice than chlorine-containing hydrocarbon for industrial application based on sustainability of the process.