A comprehensive study on the thermal and fire performance of EVA, PMMA, and PVB polymers used in photovoltaic systems

Despite the rapid development of photovoltaic industry in the context of carbon neutrality, fire incidents in photovoltaic systems, especially the building-integrated photovoltaic systems, can cause huge losses of life and property, and should be given sufficient attention. This study evaluates the fire performance of thermally-thin polymers, specifically ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Due to their desirable properties such as adhesion, flexibility, and optical clarity, these materials are frequently employed in solar panel encapsulation and glass curtain walls. Both cone calorimeter tests and thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) were utilized to assess their fire characteristics comprehensively. Key parameters, including thermal penetration depth, ignition time, heat release rate (HRR), critical heat flux, and mass loss rate (MLR), were measured and analyzed. Results indicate that PMMA has the longest ignition time, followed by EVA and PVB. EVA exhibited the highest total heat release (THR) and fire growth rate index (FIGRA), making it the most intense burner, while PMMA demonstrated the greatest fire safety. Through TGA-FTIR, the thermal degradation behavior and the specific volatile components released during decomposition were analyzed in this work. These discoveries offer insights for improving the design and manufacturing of photovoltaic panels and laminated glass, contributing to safer and more sustainable material choices in the development of energy-efficient buildings. © Akadémiai Kiadó Zrt 2025.