Elastomeric Poly Research Articles

CO2 sorption of elastomer poly(ionic liquid)s with imidazolium cations having different alkyl chains: Structure-morphology-property relationships and thermodynamic modelling by the PC-SAFT equation of state

In this work related to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), the CO2 sorption capacities of a new family of elastomer poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with imidazolium cations having different alkyl chains were studied. These PILs were synthesized by chemical modification of polyepichlorohydrin (polyECH) obtained by living anionic polymerization. PolyECH was quaternized with different 1-alkylimidazoles (alkyl = methyl, n-butyl, and n-hexyl) and followed by anion exchange to obtain three PILs: PIL-Me, PIL-nBu, and PIL-nHex. They were analyzed by NMR (1H, 13C, 2D 1H/13C HSQC, APT 13C) and characterized by SEC, DSC, calorimetry, rheology, and XRD SAXS/WAXS. The influence of the alkyl chain on the PIL CO2 sorption was studied with a magnetic suspension balance (MSB) at 35 °C and CO2 pressures varying from 1 to 10 bar. The best results were obtained with PIL having methyl chains (9.60 mg CO2/g PIL at 1.1 bar and 159.28 mg CO2/g PIL at 10.0 bar at 35 °C). Finally, the CO2 sorption properties of these PILs were modeled with the PC-SAFT equation of state (EoS). The pure-component parameters were obtained from model regression of the PILs densities calculated by the Bondi's and Van Krevelen's methods. The binary interaction parameters of the systems CO2/PIL were optimized with average absolute deviations (AAD) lower than 6.3 % for the three PILs. The PC-SAFT modelling of their sorption properties opens interesting prospects for modelling the CO2 sorption process for CCS facilities.

Novel elastomeric spiropyran-doped poly(dimethylsiloxane) optical waveguide for UV sensing

Novel poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) doped with two different spiropyran derivatives (SP) were investigated as potential candidates for the preparation of elastomeric waveguides with UV-dependent optical properties. First, free-standing films were prepared and evaluated with respect to their photochromic response to UV irradiation. Kinetics, reversibility as well as photofatigue and refractive index of the SP-doped PDMS samples were assessed. Second, SP-doped PDMS waveguides were fabricated and tested as UV sensors by monitoring changes in the transmitted optical power of a visible laser (633 nm). UV sensing was successfully demonstrated by doping PDMS using one spiropyran derivative whose propagation loss was measured as 1.04 dB/cm at 633 nm, and sensitivity estimated at 115% change in transmitted optical power per unit change in UV dose. The decay and recovery time constants were measured at 42 and 107 s, respectively, with an average UV saturation dose of 0.4 J/cm2. The prepared waveguides exhibited a reversible and consistent response even under bending. The sensor parameters can be tailored by varying the waveguide length up to 21 cm, and are affected by white light and temperatures up to 70 ℃. This work is relevant to elastomeric optics, smart optical materials, and polymer optical waveguide sensors.Graphical

Stretchable Metal Halide Perovskite Color Conversion Layers with Block Copolymer Dispersant

AbstractStretchable luminescent nanocomposites with metal halide perovskite (MHP) emitters are in high demand as deformable color‐conversion layers (CCLs) for vivid‐colored form‐factor free displays. However, the immiscibility of the MHP crystals with an elastomeric polymer matrix induces particle aggregation with resultant luminescence quenching, hindering the development of MHP‐based CCLs. Herein, a simple method is proposed to produce highly luminescent MHP nanoparticles (NPs) and stably disperse them in an elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer matrix with block copolymer (BCP) dispersant. The nanocomposites are developed through sequential steps of synthesis of MHP‐NP dispersion solution with BCP and blending with PDMS followed by thermal curing. It is revealed that Lewis basic poly(2‐vinylpyridine)‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) (P2VP‐b‐PDMS) BCP added in the synthesis step promotes crystallization of the MHPs as nanocrystals with an average diameter of 5.9 ± 1.2 nm, whereas MHPs with hundreds of nm are produced without BCP. The resultant MHP‐NPs with P2VP‐b‐PDMS exhibit excellent photophysical properties, such as narrow band emission, high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, and long PL lifetime. The MHP‐NPs are stably dispersed in the PDMS matrix by P2VP‐b‐PDMS without particle aggregation, leading to highly deformable and stretchable nanocomposites with stable PL emission upon repetitive stretching, and excellent environmental stability.

Improving microinjection processability of biodegradable elastomer poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) by blending with polycaprolactone and plasticizing with polyethylene glycol

Improving microinjection processability of biodegradable elastomer poly(<scp>l</scp>‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) by blending with polycaprolactone and plasticizing with polyethylene glycol

Creation of Porous, Perfusable Microtubular Networks for Improved Cell Viability in Volumetric Hydrogels.

The creation of large, volumetric tissue-engineered constructs has long been hindered due to the lack of effective vascularization strategies. Recently, 3D printing has emerged as a viable approach to creating vascular structures; however, its application is limited. Here, we present a simple and controllable technique to produce porous, free-standing, perfusable tubular networks from sacrificial templates of polyelectrolyte complex and coatings of salt-containing citrate-based elastomer poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC). As demonstrated, fully perfusable and interconnected POC tubular networks with channel diameters ranging from 100 to 400 μm were created. Incorporating NaCl particulates into the POC coating enabled the formation of micropores (∼19 μm in diameter) in the tubular wall upon particulate leaching to increase the cross-wall fluid transport. Casting and cross-linking gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) suspended with human osteoblasts over the free-standing porous POC tubular networks led to the fabrication of 3D cell-encapsulated constructs. Compared to the constructs without POC tubular networks, those with either solid or porous wall tubular networks exhibited a significant increase in cell viability and proliferation along with healthy cell morphology, particularly those with porous networks. Taken together, the sacrificial template-assisted approach is effective to fabricate tubular networks with controllable channel diameter and patency, which can be easily incorporated into cell-encapsulated hydrogels or used as tissue-engineering scaffolds to improve cell viability.

Fabricating mesoscale polymer ribbons with tunable mechanical properties via evaporative deposition and dewetting.

Synthetic replication of the precise mesoscale control found in natural systems poses substantial experimental challenges due to the need for manipulation across multiple length scales (from nano- to millimeter). We address this challenge by using a 'flow coating' method to fabricate polymer ribbons with precisely tunable dimensions and mechanical properties. Overcoming barriers that previously limited the achievable range of properties with this method, we eliminate the need for substrate patterning and post-processing etching to facilitate the production of high aspect ratio, filament-like ribbons across a range of polymers-from glassy polystyrene to elastomeric poly(butadiene), as well as poly(butadiene-block-styrene). Our method uniquely enables the preservation of chemical fidelity, composition, and dimensions of these ribbons, leveraging polymers with elastic moduli from GPa to tens of MPa to achieve multi-scale features. We demonstrate the role of the elastocapillary length (γ/E) in determining morphological outcomes, revealing the increase in curvature with lower elastic modulus. This finding underscores the intricate relationship among surface tension, elastic modulus, and resultant structural form, enabling control over the morphology of mesoscale ribbons. The soft (MPa) polybutadiene-based ribbons exemplify our method's utility, offering structures with significant extensibility, resilience, and ease of handling, thus expanding the potential for future applications. This work advances our understanding of the fundamental principles governing mesoscale structure formation and unlocks new possibilities for designing soft materials with tailored properties, mirroring the complexity and functionality observed in nature.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility of Elastomeric Poly(L-co-D,L-lactic acid-co-Caprolactone)urethane for Biomedical Applications

Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility of Elastomeric Poly(L-co-D,L-lactic acid-co-Caprolactone)urethane for Biomedical Applications

Stress‐Assisted Erosion of Poly(Glycerol‐Co‐Sebacate) Acrylate Elastomer

AbstractIn this work, a systematic investigation is conducted on stress‐assisted erosion of the photocurable and degradable elastomer poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA). Without external stress, it is confirmed that the elastomer undergoes surface erosion in an aqueous environment. Upon the application of mechanical stress, the results revealed that the surface erosion rate is dramatically accelerated. By studying the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) phenomena, it is demonstrated that the crack growth speed depends on the applied load and is significantly faster than the surface erosion rate of the elastomer. It is further shown that with decreasing the cross‐link density of the elastomer, the crack growth speed during SCC can be slowed down due to the increased viscoelasticity of the material.

SIS-Based Electrostatic Spinning High-Safety Lithium-Ion Battery Separators.

As an important component, the properties of separators directly affect the capacity, life, and safety performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The high thermal stability and safety application value of the thermoplastic elastomer poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) block copolymer (SIS) with different block ratios were explored to enhance the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the cross-linked polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes by vulcanization cross-linking and heat treatment. Among these membranes, the sample named the S/PAN/SIS-4019 separator was confirmed to be a self-closing separator that can cope with the thermal runaway, attributing to the continued fusion of the SIS soft and hard segments in the cross-linked structure under high-temperature heat treatment. Moreover, the tensile strength of S/PAN/SIS-4019 separator increased to 17.49 MPa, which was better than that of Celgard 2400, PAN, and other inlay separators. Using S/PAN/SIS-4019 as a battery separator, lithium-ion batteries showed a superior electrochemical performance compared to the usage of Celgard 2400. Owing to the stable pore structure and thermally protected self-shutdown mechanism, the overall properties of the obtained cross-linked separator were improved in terms of higher thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, and electrochemical properties.

Reducing ammonia permeance in poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene) (NBR)‐based elastomers

AbstractAmmonia (NH3) has emerged as a sustainable future fuel for a low‐carbon future. Ideally, the transportation and storage of ammonia in re‐purposed natural gas networks will dramatically reduce the economic burden associated with converting to ammonia. However, the highly condensable nature and small kinetic diameter of the ammonia means that this fuel readily permeates through the polymer‐based elastomers and gaskets used in natural gas infrastructure. To mitigate this issue, three kinds of additives have been incorporated into the conventional natural gas elastomer poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene) (NBR) to reduce ammonia permeance. The first is based on increasing the basicity of the elastomer environment, the second provides chemical reactivity with ammonia to limit transport, and the third uses barrier additives to prevent diffusion. The mechanical properties of the modified elastomers; expressed as the tensile stress at yield and Young's modulus were studied. The creation of a basic environment through the addition of amines resulted in moderate changes in ammonia permeability, with up to 50% reduction of ammonia permeability observed from putrescine added NBR. Chemical additives lowered the permeability by up to 20% with limited impact on the tensile properties. The addition of 3% graphene oxide to NBR had the most significant decrease in ammonia permeability, 80%, but also produced a more rigid material. The investigation shows that ammonia permeability can be significantly reduced in NBR elastomers, through the addition of inexpensive additives in tailored strategies.

Elastomeric Porous Poly(glycerol sebacate) Methacrylate (PGSm) Microspheres as 3D Scaffolds for Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

Cartilage defects can be difficult to treat; therefore, tissue engineering of cartilage is emerging as a promising potential therapy. One interesting area of research explores the delivery of cells to the cartilage defect via scaffold-based cell delivery vehicles and microsurgery. This study explores the use of novel poly(glycerol sebacate) methacrylate (PGSm)-polymerised high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) microspheres as scaffolds with embedded cells for cartilage tissue engineering. Porous microsphere scaffolds (100 µm-1 mm diameter) were produced from emulsions consisting of water and a methacrylate-based photocurable resin of poly(glycerol sebacate). These resins were used in conjunction with a T-junction fluidic device and an ultraviolet (UV) curing lamp to produce porous microspheres with a tuneable size. This technique produced biodegradable PGSm microspheres with similar mechanical properties to cartilage. We further explore these microspheres as scaffolds for three-dimensional culture of chondrocytes. The microspheres proved to be very efficient scaffolds for primary chondrocyte culture and were covered by a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) network during the culture period, creating a tissue disk. The presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen-II was confirmed, highlighting the utility of the PGSm microspheres as a delivery vehicle for chondrocytes. A number of imaging techniques were utilised to analyse the tissue disk and develop methodologies to characterise the resultant tissue. This study highlights the utility of porous PGSm microspheres for cartilage tissue engineering.

Elastomeric biodegradable poly(ester amide urethane) as a tough and robust material

Poly(ester amide)s belong to a special class of polymers and their intrinsic properties can be tailored by tuning their chemical structures. In this regard, poly(ester amide urethane) resins were synthesized to circumvent the shortcomings as well as to impart new features into the poly(ester amide) framework. In the present work, various compositions of poly(ester amide urethane) were prepared by varying the proportions of isophorone diisocyanate. The structural analysis of the synthesized polymeric material was accomplished using various techniques viz., FTIR, XPS, PXRD, etc. On investigating the mechanical profile study, it was noted that the polymeric specimens exhibited excellent elongation at break values ranging from 640.81 % to 1875.91 %, thereby rendering traits of a sturdy elastomeric material. The samples also demonstrated outstanding toughness values from 1125.11 MJm−3 to 1895.62 MJm−3. In turn, the polymeric material displayed satisfactory thermal stability above 200 °C along with good chemical resistance values. Disparate aging tests were conducted to assess the durability of the material under stringent environmental conditions. The materials demonstrated remarkable enhancement in tensile strength parameters upon exposure to various aging regimes (heat, UV, etc.) which further promote their utility as robust materials for outdoor applications. Additionally, they revealed exceptionally good biodegradable attributes along with significant cytocompatibility behavior.

Functional self‐healable EVA elastomers based on reversible covalent networks: A potential new class of epoxy‐based specialty adhesives

AbstractMultifunctional elastomers have gained tremendous attention in the material research community. In this study, an epoxy functionalized elastomer poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (EVA‐GMA) that is commercially available was modified with dynamic covalent chemistry to make it self‐healable and recyclable, as well as to investigate its adhesive properties. EVA‐GMA was modified to a furfuryl‐appended diene elastomer (FA‐EVA‐GMA) and subsequently cross‐linked with bifunctional 1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (bis‐TAD) and bismaleimide (BMI) derivatives via electrophilic substitution (ES) and Diels‐Alder (DA) chemistry, respectively. The ES modification of the elastomer was ambiently completed using bis‐TAD, whereas its maleimide modification required elevated conditions (65 °C) with a longer time of 24 h. The tensile study showed a remarkable improvement in the mechanical strength upon cross‐linking the elastomers. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis elucidated the thermoreversible characteristics of both the ES and DA‐derived networks, showing the cleavage of ES and DA conjugates at 135 °C (retro‐ES) and 140 °C (retro‐DA), respectively. The cross‐linked elastomers exhibited significant self‐healing characteristics (with a healing efficiency of ≈ 88%) and monitored using an optical microscope and tensile analysis. Interestingly, the bis‐TAD‐derived and bismaleimide functionalized EVA‐elastomer showed excellent adhesive properties toward the metal surfaces, as analyzed via lap shear test.

Relationship between mechanical load and surface erosion degradation of a shape memory elastomer poly(glycerol-dodecanoate) for soft tissue implant.

Poly(glycerol-dodecanoate) (PGD) has aroused increasing attention in biomedical engineering for its degradability, shape memory and rubber-like mechanical properties, giving it potential to fabricate intelligent implants for soft tissues. Adjustable degradation is important for biodegradable implants and is affected by various factors. The mechanical load has been shown to play an important role in regulating polymer degradation in vivo. An in-depth investigation of PGD degradation under mechanical load is essential for adjusting its degradation behavior after implantation, further guiding to regulate degradation behavior of soft tissue implants made by PGD. In vitro degradation of PGD under different compressive and tensile load has proceeded in this study and describes the relationships by empirical equations. Based on the equations, a continuum damage model is designed to simulate surface erosion degradation of PGD under stress through finite element analysis, which provides a protocol for PGD implants with different geometric structures at varied mechanical conditions and provides solutions for predicting in vivo degradation processes, stress distribution during degradation and optimization of the loaded drug release.

Percutaneous delivery and degradation of a shape memory elastomer poly(glycerol dodecanedioate) in porcine pulmonary arteries

Shape memory biodegradable elastomers are an emergent class of biomaterials well-suited for percutaneous cardiovascular repair requiring nonlinear elastic materials with facile handling. We have previously developed a chemically crosslinked shape memory elastomer, poly (glycerol dodecanedioate) (PGD), exhibiting tunable transition temperatures around body temperature (34–38 °C), exhibiting nonlinear elastic properties approximating cardiac tissues, and favorable degradation rates in vitro. Degree of tissue coverage, degradation and consequent changes in polymer thermomechanical properties, and inflammatory response in preclinical animal models are unknown material attributes required for translating this material into cardiovascular devices. This study investigates changes in the polymer structure, tissue coverage, endothelialization, and inflammation of percutaneously implanted PGD patches (20 mm × 9 mm x 0.5 mm) into the branch pulmonary arteries of Yorkshire pigs for three months. After three months in vivo, 5/8 samples exhibited (100%) tissue coverage, 2/8 samples exhibited 85–95% tissue coverage, and 1/8 samples exhibited limited (<20%) tissue coverage with mild-moderate inflammation. PGD explants showed a (60–70%) volume loss and (25–30%) mass loss, and a reduction in polymer crosslinks. Lumenal and mural surfaces and the cross-section of the explant demonstrated evidence of degradation. This study validates PGD as an appropriate cardiovascular engineering material due to its propensity for rapid tissue coverage and uneventful inflammatory response in a preclinical animal model, establishing a precedent for consideration in cardiovascular repair applications.

Effect of warm mix additives and hydrated lime on viscosity and bonding–debonding behaviour of RET and PPA modified asphalt binder with aggregates

Higher energy requirement for asphaltic layer construction with asphalt binder containing reactive elastomeric terpolymer (RET) and poly phosphoric acid (PPA) can be addressed to a greater extent with the addition of warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives. However, moisture damage related problem is one of the concerns with such addition, which further aggravates with an increase in ageing level. The addition of lime may help in addressing moisture damage related problems in such cases. Previous research works show that based on the interaction between asphalt binder and particular WMA additive, the viscosity may undesirably increase also. So far, the influence of different WMA additives (wax, chemical surfactant (CS) and water-based (WB)) on the workability related properties of asphalt binder containing RET and PPA is not understood. It is also not clear if such warm mix additives with/without lime can help in improving long-term bonding with different aggregate types or not. Therefore, this research work aimed at identifying the appropriate WMA additive (with/without lime) which can help in (a) addressing the workability related problem and (b) improving long-term bonding with different aggregate types. To achieve this, different types of WMA additives (with/without lime) were added to RET and PPA modified binder. Viscosity-based measurement and chemical analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to understand workability and underlying chemical changes. Results indicated that although wax and CS-based warm mix additives can help in reducing energy demand, the addition of WB warm mix additive will have a negative impact from the workability perspective. Likewise, dynamic contact angle for different binder combinations was measured to evaluate the surface free energy components, which further helped to examine the long-term bonding with different aggregate types. Among different WMA additive types, the use of wax-based WMA additive was found to be most effective in improving compatibility with different aggregate types. Also, irrespective of the binder combination, the addition of lime improved the long-term bonding with considered aggregate types.

Artificial Tactile Recognition Enabled by Flexible Low-Voltage Organic Transistors and Low-Power Synaptic Electronics.

The advancement of self-powered intelligent strain systems for human-computer interaction is crucial toward wearable and energy-saving applications. Simultaneously, lowering operating voltage and thus reducing power consumption are of particular interests. A brain-like smart synaptic hardware system is considered as a promising candidate for low-power, parallel computing and learning processes. However, the combination of low-voltage organic transistors and energy efficient smart synapse hardware systems driven by a tactile signal has been hindered by the limited materials and technology. Here, by employing an elastomeric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) with a high HFP content of 25 mol %, flexible, low-voltage transistors (|VG| ≤ 3 V) and a low energy consumption synapse ≤ 9.2 × 10-17 J are devised simultaneously, along with the lowest quality factor (R = Pw × VG, 2.76 × 10-16 J V). Furthermore, based on the low voltage and low power consumption characteristics, flexible artificial tactile recognition system and Morse code recognition are established without any computing supporting. Mechanical flexibility, cycling stability, image contrast enhancement functions, and simulated pattern recognition accuracy of the multilayer perceptron neural network are also simulated. This work recommends a route of exploiting low voltage, low power consumption synaptic systems and smart human-machine interfaces with low energy loss based on flexible organic synaptic transistors.

Stretchable mesh microelectronics for the biointegration and stimulation of human neural organoids

Advances in tridimensional (3D) culture approaches have led to the generation of organoids that recapitulate cellular and physiological features of domains of the human nervous system. Although microelectrodes have been developed for long-term electrophysiological interfaces with neural tissue, studies of long-term interfaces between microelectrodes and free-floating organoids remain limited. In this study, we report a stretchable, soft mesh electrode system that establishes an intimate in vitro electrical interface with human neurons in 3D organoids. Our mesh is constructed with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) based electrically conductive hydrogel electrode arrays and elastomeric poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS) as the substrate and encapsulation materials. This mesh electrode can maintain a stable electrochemical impedance in buffer solution under 50% compressive and 50% tensile strain. We have successfully cultured pluripotent stem cell-derived human cortical organoids (hCO) on this polymeric mesh for more than 3 months and demonstrated that organoids readily integrate with the mesh. Using simultaneous stimulation and calcium imaging, we show that electrical stimulation through the mesh can elicit intensity-dependent calcium signals comparable to stimulation from a bipolar stereotrode. This platform may serve as a tool for monitoring and modulating the electrical activity of in vitro models of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Intrinsically Conductive Liquid Metal‐Elastomer Composites for Stretchable and Flexible Electronics

AbstractLiquid metal‐embedded elastomers (LMEEs) are a class of deformable composites made of particles of liquid metal dispersed in an elastomeric matrix. Although these composites possess high thermal conductivity, they are not intrinsically electrically conductive unless a stimulus is applied to join the liquid metal inclusions into a conductive pathway. LMEEs with intrinsic conductivity, especially with a conductive surface, have great potential uses in flexible and stretchable electronics as soft, nondamaging contacts for device characterization, stretchable interconnects for deformable circuits, and as a “soft solder” to electrically connect devices to flexible and stretchable substrates. Here, a simple process is introduced to fabricate intrinsically conductive LMEEs (iLMEEs) with conductive surfaces through the sedimentation of microparticles of eutectic gallium‐indium alloy (EGaIn) in the elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane). During this sedimentation process, an EGaIn‐rich 3D percolation network forms at the bottom surface. The resulting iLMEE possesses a conductive surface comprising a mosaic of EGaIn particles embedded in PDMS, with a low sheet resistance of 0.63 ± 0.04 Ω sq–1. iLMEE is soft, stretchable, and exhibits stable conductivity to 100% strain. We demonstrate the use of iLMEE as nondamaging, reusable soft electrical contact probes and as mechanically robust electrical connections between light‐emitting devices and flexible plastic substrates.

Chemical and mechanical interfacial degradation in bifacial glass/glass and glass/transparent backsheet photovoltaic modules.

Glass/glass (G/G) photovoltaic modules are quickly rising in popularity, but the durability of modern G/G packaging has not yet been established. In this work, we examine the interfacial degradation modes in G/G and glass/transparent backsheet modules under damp heat (DH) with and without system bias voltage, comparing emerging polyolefin elastomer (POE) and industry-standard poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) encapsulants. We investigate the transport of ionic species at cell/encapsulant interfaces, demonstrating that POE limits both sodium and silver ion migration compared with EVA. Changes to the chemical structures of the encapsulants at the cell/encapsulant interfaces demonstrate that both POE and EVA are more susceptible to degradation in modules with a transparent backsheet than in the G/G configuration. Adhesion testing reveals that POE and EVA have comparable critical debond energies after the DH exposures regardless of system bias polarity. The results of this study indicate that the interfacial degradation mechanisms of G/G appear to be similar to those of conventional glass/backsheet modules. For emerging materials, our results demonstrate that POE offers advantages over EVA but that transparent backsheets may accelerate encapsulant degradation due to increased moisture ingress when compared with the G/G structure.