Rowland Technologies and Arkema Launch High-Performance PVDF Films for Photovoltaic Front-Sheet Market

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowland Technologies Inc. (www.rowtec.com) and Arkema Inc. have announced that Rowlar™ -- a new line of high-performance PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) films specifically designed for photovoltaic front-sheet applications -- is now commercially available.

Rowlar™ was developed by applying Rowland Technologies' advanced film design and manufacturing capabilities to bring the outstanding performance characteristics of Kynar ® PVDF to the photovoltaic front-sheet market. Used in architectural coatings for decades, Kynar® has demonstrated excellent weather resistance in punishing South Florida test conditions for over 40 years.

Rowlar™ is the result of the proven performance of Kynar® PVDF combined with precision film engineering. Rowlar™ provides:

• Outstanding solar transmittance
• Outstanding UV resistance
• Superior abrasion resistance
• Excellent fire and chemical resistance
• Superior oxygen barrier
• Good moisture barrier
• Excellent adhesion to encapsulants

Thin, flexible and lightweight, Rowlar™ offers a broad selection of standard gloss and low-glare surfaces.  Rowlar™ is extremely transparent, has a lower refractive index than glass and allows modules to run cooler. Compared to ETFE film, Rowlar™ is more transparent, 50% more abrasion-resistant, and more cost effective.  

Rowlar™ film is sold by Rowland under an agreement with Arkema and is available in a range of thicknesses, widths, and surface textures to meet virtually any design configuration and production requirement.

Rowlar™ is a trademark of Rowland Technologies Inc.  

Kynar® is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc.

Rowland Technologies, Inc. is a premier manufacturer of plastic film and sheet products including its RowTec® polycarbonate, SolaTuf® acrylic, and its highly innovative Rowlux® multi-lensed illusion films. The company markets its products worldwide to a variety of industries including solar photovoltaic, automotive, graphic arts, aerospace, electronics, medical and more. In addition, Rowland Technologies, Inc. provides custom research and development and toll extrusion services for a wide variety of applications.

Arkema, Inc. is a global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer; Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2009. Arkema has 13,800 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

SOURCE Rowland Technologies Inc.