Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. (TYO:4005) and Microwave Chemical Co. Ltd. have launched a project for the joint development of a process that produces hydrogen by pyrolyzing methane through the use of microwaves. Aims here are to begin commercial production in the early 2030s, with sights set on a production capacity of tens of thousands of tons per year. Aims through...
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has established a new division for the pursuit of carbon neutrality. As the trend toward carbon neutrality speeds up around the world, the major rubber auto parts manufacturer intends to reduce its in-house greenhouse gas emissions – including those of CO2 – by 30 percent over fiscal 2018–2030. Aims are to then reach carbon neutrality...
Rubber manufacturer Asahi Rubber Inc. has worked with a partner to develop silicone rubber with cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) dispersed throughout, creating a material that combines high conductivity with optimal hardness. Following a long period of demonstration testing, the new material is set to be used in auto parts that remain usable even under harsh outdoor conditions, and will start...
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has utilized innovative technology to develop a tire made 70 percent from sustainable raw materials. The company’s efforts here have seen it employ 13 sustainable materials across nine different tire components. One component targeted here was carbon black, which is included in tires to reinforce compounds and extend tire life span. Conventionally, this has been...
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has developed and begun testing airless tire technology for use in autonomous robotic vehicles created by Starship Technologies Inc. A venture company funded by Goodyear Ventures, Starship Technologies is focused on development and network management for autonomous robotic vehicles to be used in the likes of home deliveries and food delivery. With this latest effort,...
Bando Chemical Industries Ltd. (TYO:5195) launched sales last month for B4S, a health care device in the form of a swallowing monitor that utilizes the company’s proprietary C-Stretch stretchable strain sensor. The new product is able to easily perceive throat movement: the B4S device is pressed against the throat, with its embedded C-Stretch stretchable strain sensor then perceiving throat movement...
