SolPol-6: Eco-efficient polyolefin materials for energy technologies

SolPol-6 addresses the production materials-related transformation towards a renewable energy system.
The project develops tailor-made polyolefin materials, semi-finished products and laminates for three key applications: (i) encapsulation materials for double-glass photovoltaic modules, (ii) liner and barrier systems for sensible large-scale heat storage in earth-basin construction, and (iii) polyolefin hollow-fiber membranes for the energy-efficient recovery of ammonia from wastewater.

By using polyolefins, environmentally critical fluoropolymers are to be replaced, recyclability improved, and component lifetime increased.

For PV modules, the focus is on avoiding edge compression and residual stresses, as well as on increasing the long-term durability of the encapsulation materials.

For large-scale heat storage, impact-modified, temperature-resistant liners with integrated inorganic barrier layers are being developed to minimize heat losses and diffusion effects.

In the field of water and membrane technology, crosslinked and functionalized polyolefin membranes are investigated to increase selectivity for ammonia and to recover highly concentrated NH₃ as an energy carrier.

SolPol-6 contributes to SDGs 6, 7, 9, 12 and 13, and to strengthening Austria’s position as an industrial location in the field of plastics for solar and sustainable energy technologies.