Crown is represented in the TaiyangNews Backsheets and Encapsulation Market Survey 2024/25 with 5 products, including 3 models listed for the first time. In contrast to the more typical 3-layer structures, all of Crown’s backsheets are built with a 2-layer design. The newly listed products use PET combined with PU (polyurethane) films and are available in white, black, and transparent variants, with optional mesh additions.
Crown’s BO-P1 backsheet comes with a 165 µm PET core combined with a 5 µm PU, resulting in an effective thickness of 170 µm. It offers a breakdown voltage of ≥10 kV and supports a 1,000 V DC partial discharge. It has a rated elongation of ≥80% and a tensile strength of ≥80 MPa in both the MD and TD directions. However, it exhibits a higher WVTR of ≤3 g/m²/d.
The remaining 2 products – BO-C1 and BO-C2 – are thicker. While BO-C1 has an effective thickness of 175 µm, it is 315 µm for BO-C2. However, both products share the same mechanical properties, offering a tensile strength of 100 MPa and an elongation of 80% in both the MD and TD directions. The BO-C1 exhibits a breakdown voltage of ≥10 kV, a 1,000 V DC partial discharge, and a higher water vapor permeability of ≤3 g/m²/d. In contrast, BO-C2 delivers enhanced electrical performance with a breakdown voltage of ≥16 kV and a partial discharge rating of 1,500 V DC. Additionally, BO-C2 is known for its high weather resistance and excellent film adhesion, with a lower water vapor permeability of ≤2 g/m²/d. All 3 backsheets are available in white, black, as well as transparent variants that can also be opted with mesh attached.
Listed in our previous survey, BO-P2 is another PU backsheet from the company and it remains unchanged. It has a PU layer that is 5 µm thick, which is attached to a 305 µm PET film for a total thickness of 310 μm. It features a tensile strength of ≥100 MPa at 80% elongation. Shrinkage in the MD direction is 1.2% and 0.9% in TD. EVA peel strength is 4 N/mm, and its water vapor permeability is rated at ≤2 g/m²/d. The system can support up to 1,500 V.
Crown’s previously listed polyolefin-based backsheet BO-L3, launched in 2012, also remains unaltered. It is a dual-layer backsheet with the PET core protected by a polyolefin outer layer. It has an effective thickness of 360 µm and is available in white and black for both the air and the rear side. It has a tensile strength of 60 MPa and 50% elongation, while shrinkages in the MD and TD directions are 1.5% and 1%, respectively. The peel strengths, or the inner layer adhesion and the EVA adhesion, for this backsheet are 4 N/cm and 40 N/cm, respectively. The backsheet is supplied with a system voltage class of 1,500 V and a rated water vapor permeability of ≤1.5 g/m²/d.
