Fluorescence analysis as a diagnostic tool for polymer encapsulation processing and degradation

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Abstract
Fluorescence analysis (FA) is demonstrated to be a very sensitive analytical tool to monitor the quality of thermally processed polymer encapsulants such as EVA. Generation of UV‐excitable chromophores during curing is shown to arise from the presence of the oxidative curing agent, Lupersol peroxide, in the EVA formulation for cross‐linking. Concentrations of these chromophores are related to the half life of the Lupersol peroxide and the curing time at ∼145 °C. Their distribution in the cured EVA is found to be non‐uniform. The occurrence and extent of EVA discoloration in free‐standing films or in laminated forms, either due to simulated degradation or natural weathering, can be easily analyzed by FA. Photobleaching of discolored EVA is caused by the oxidative breakdown of long polyconjugations (polyenes) into shorter ones and is effective in the presence of air (oxygen).

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