Preparation and characterization of PVC-PMMA polymer blends as flexible bases for III-V photovoltaics

There is a growing interest in technologies that allow the commercialization of solar cells on light, flexible and low-cost substrates. We have developed different polymer compositions using poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) andpoly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with plasticizing agents such dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and dioctyl adipate (DOA) to be used as flexible bases for III-V photovoltaics. The blends PVC:PMMA; [PVC:PMMA]:DOA and [PVC:PMMA]:DOP were prepared by the solution-casting technique and characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Theformation of the three blends, which proved to be flexible and resistant, and interaction with the plasticizing DOA andDOP were confirmed by both techniques.. A III-V structure was transferred to the [PVC:PMMA]:DOP blend, perfectly adhering to the flexible base, demonstrating its potential as a flexible base for III-V solar cells.