Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (TYO:4063) has developed a first-of-its-kind low-density moldable silicone for producing lighter rubber molded parts with the company’s Liquid Injection Molding System (LIMS). The conventional method of making silicone rubber more lightweight has been to add a blowing agent to millable silicone rubber to shape it into a sponge, but Shin-Etsu Chemical’s new product does away with...
Innovation
Toyoda Gosei, Tokyo University Team up to Develop Cross-Linking Technology for Stronger Rubber
Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has worked with the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences to develop a cross-linking technology that enables stronger synthetic rubber. Rubber using this technology not only offers better physical strength against impacts and friction but is also resistant to rupturing. The new technology works by chemically integrating a polyrotaxane – a polymer with...
Mitsubishi Chemical Develops Highly Heat Resistant Grade of Silicone Rubber Film
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. recently announced the development of a new grade under its Keiju line of silicone rubber films, giving customers the option to access a more heat-resistant option than was available with existing grades. Born from Mitsubishi Chemical’s proprietary processing technologies, Keiju is notable for being very thin with a high level of precision in thickness. Further, it offers...
JSR to Set up Joint Research Department With Institute of Statistical Mathematics
JSR Corp. (TYO:4185) and the Institute of Statistical Mathematics (ISM) recently announced that they have agreed to establish a joint research department named the JSR-ISM Smart Chemistry Lab, with aims being to get started this month. Through this joint lab, the partners intend to develop basic technologies that promote data-driven materials research. These technologies will then be used to significantly...
Toyoda Gosei Makes Headway With Deep-UV LED Light Modules Able to Combat Viruses, Bacteria
Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has developed deep-UV LED light modules with the ability to eliminate viruses and bacteria. As a first step toward mass production here, the Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) group company recently announced that it will supply deep-UV LED water purification units to be fitted in water-recirculating Wosh portable washstands. These washstands are set to be launched...
Bando Chemical, Tosoh Receive NEDO Backing to Develop New Production Technologies for Transmission Belts
Bando Chemical Industries Ltd. (TYO:5195) and Tosoh Corp. (TYO:4042) have been selected to receive backing for a joint project of theirs from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This comes as part of a NEDO initiative to develop cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-related technology capable of helping to achieve a carbon-recycling society. Set to run over fiscal 2020–2024, the...