Uv Protective Coatings for Heliostats and the Plastic Dome. Final Technical Report

摘要

Fluorocarbon and acrylic coatings and films were explored as a means of preventing uv degradation of: (1) the polyester (Petra A) film used in the heliostat dome, (2) the first surface silvered polyester (Melinex O) heliostat, (3) the first surface silvered float glass heliostat, as well as (4) and with other coatings to prevent silver spotting of the back surface of a superstrate, second surface heliostat mirror. Uv stabilization systems were developed and tested. The coated or laminated structures were evaluated for adhesion, resistance to high humidity and acid vapor degradation, percent transmittance/ reflectance, water spotting (for case 4 above), and uv stability under the RS-4 Sunlamp (wet and dry). Promising materials were subjected to accelerated outdoor exposure at Desert Sunshine Testing (DSET) in Arizona. Specific uv stabilized acrylic coatings and/or acrylic or fluorocarbon films offered some protection for the Petra A, silvered Melinex O and first surface silvered float glass against weathering, or in case 4 moisture, degradation. However, no system was satisfactory for long term outdoor weathering. Phenoxy primers showed initial promise for back surface protection against silver spotting but require further in depth study. (ERA citation 08:012119)