IP Library Granted Patent US 11,840,459
Granted Patent B1
US 11,840,459 · App. 17/401,905 · Granted Dec 12, 2023

Tunable negative coefficient thermal expansion materials and composites

Inventors: Margaret Ellen Gordon (Albuquerque, NM); Clay Payne (Albuquerque, NM); Charles R. Bryan (Albuquerque, NM); Mark A. Rodriguez (Albuquerque, NM); Ashley Maes (Albuquerque, NM)
Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
C01G41/006C08L63/00C08L67/02H01L31/049C01P2006/32C08L2203/204
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,840,459
App. No.
17/401,905
Granted
Dec 12, 2023
Kind
B1
Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to variable composition ceramics. Zr (2−x) Hf (x) WP 2 O 12 and Hf 2 WP 2 O 12 exhibit large negative thermal expansion that is linear over a large temperature range up to at least 900° C., These new ceramic material particles may be mixed with polymers to make a composite suitable for use in backsheets for photovoltaic modules or in other applications. The thermal expansion coefficient of the composite can be tailored to match that of the solar cell in order to reduce stress resulting from daily thermal cycling.

Claims (38)

1. A composition having the formula Hf 2 WP 2 O 12 .

2. A composite, comprising:

a polymer; and

hafnium phospho-tungstate particles dispersed in the polymer.

3. The composite of claim 2 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, thermosetting resins, bismalemides, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl fluorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, elastomers and thermoplastics.

4. The composite of claim 2 , wherein the hafnium phospho-tungstate particles are present in the composite to a load value up to 65%.

5. A composition having the formula Zr (2−x) Hf (x) WP 2 O 12 , where 0<x≤2.

6. A composite, comprising:

a polymer; and

hafnium substituted zirconium phospho-tungstate particles dispersed in the polymer.

7. The composite of claim 6 , wherein the hafnium substituted zirconium phospho-tungstate has the formula Zr (2−x) Hf (x) WP 2 O 12 , where 0<x≤2.

8. The composite of claim 6 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, thermosetting resins, bismalemides, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl fluorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, elastomers and thermoplastics.

9. The composite of claim 6 , wherein the hafnium substituted zirconium phospho-tungstate particles are present in the composite to a load value up to 65%.

10. A photovoltaic module, comprising:

a photovoltaic cell; and

a negative thermal expansion composite backsheet attached to the photovoltaic cell;

wherein the negative thermal expansion composite backsheet comprises:

a polymer; and

hafnium phospho-tungstate particles dispersed in the polymer.

11. The module of claim 10 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, thermosetting resins, bismalemides, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl fluorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, elastomers and thermoplastics.

12. The module of claim 10 , wherein the hafnium phospho-tungstate particles are present in the polymer to a load value up to 65%.

13. A photovoltaic module, comprising:

a photovoltaic cell; and

a negative thermal expansion composite backsheet attached to the photovoltaic cell;

wherein the negative thermal expansion composite backsheet comprises:

a polymer; and

Zr (2−x) Hf (x) WP 2 O 12 particles dispersed in the polymer, where 0≤x≤2.

14. The module of claim 13 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, thermosetting resins, bismalemides, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl fluorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, elastomers and thermoplastics.

15. The module of claim 13 , wherein the Zr (2−x) Hf (x) WP 2 O 12 particles are present in the polymer to a load value up to 65%.

16. A composite structure, comprising:

a host; and

a negative thermal expansion composite sheet attached to the host;

wherein the negative thermal expansion composite backsheet comprises:

a polymer; and

hafnium phospho-tungstate or hafnium substituted zirconium phospho-tungstate particles dispersed in the polymer.

17. The structure of claim 16 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, thermosetting resins, bismalemides, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl fluorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, elastomers and thermoplastics.

18. The structure of claim 16 , wherein the host is selected from a group consisting of photovoltaic components, micro-electronics, semiconductor cells, packaging and adhesives.

19. The structure of claim 16 , wherein hafnium phospho-tungstate or hafnium substituted zirconium phospho-tungstate particles are present in the polymer to a load value up to 65%.

Assignments (2)
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded Sep 27, 2021
From: NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA, LLC
To: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Reel/Frame 057613/0729 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 23, 2021
From: GORDON, MARGARET ELLEN; BRYAN, CHARLES R.; RODRIGUEZ, MARK A.; MAES, ASHLEY
To: NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA, LLC
Reel/Frame 057576/0813 →
Continuity (1)
Provisional Application 63065052 · Aug 13, 2020