Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are tiny tubular carbon fibers at the nanosize level (1 nm = 1/1,000,000 of a millimeter). Carbon is very light compared with metal, yet has greater conductivity, thermal conductivity, hardness, and flexibility than metal. Thus, development has been carried out in this area with the expectation of industrial applications in all types of fields.

Nevertheless, nanosized materials have strong molecular attraction, and because they are extremely fine fibers, they easily become entangled and ends up strongly  aggregating like cocoon balls. In order to elicit outstanding fetures of CNT, it is necessary to isolate and disperse them, and there is a high technical hurdle.

We have succeeded in developing our own unique technologies for disentangling aggregated CNT. These utilize the outstanding characteristics of CNT and our own unique dispersion technologies. We have succeeded in achieving extensive commercialization in this regard and have been sending out various products in Japan and to overseas.

Introduction of applications

Paints

We have achieved the world’s highest level of film performance regarding resin-based coating films in terms of rust inhibition, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. We have already established patents worldwide, and have achieved standardization in the only CNT-related products that has been JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) certified.
Adoption as surface treatment materials has been progressing in relation to chemical plants for oil & gas in harsh environments such as coasts and offshore in Japan and overseas, as well as power-generation infrastructure, ships, and ocean observation equipment. These products dramatically increase the life spans of such structures, so they contribute to ground-breaking energy saving and resource saving.

Fuel cells

We are carrying out research & development to boost the performance of fuel cells by utilizing the unique structures of CNT.
Aiming to reduce "the volume of catalyst precious metals", the cost issue of fuel cells, and to improve "catalyst durability", which directly affects power generation performance, we will contribute to the market expansion of fuel cells, the next-generation energy, by utilizing our unique CNT modifications.

Composite materials

We are improving the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
We have achieved excellent dispersion of CNT in CFRP using our own unique technologies, and have thus achieved an approximately 30% improvement in mechanical performance relative to conventional materials. This was realized through joint development together with the incorporated administrative agency the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The adoption of these composite-related technologies, which have been patented, has been progressing centering on sports fields such as bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and fishing rods. Furthermore, by using the materials as additives in speaker diaphragms, we have succeeded in simultaneously enhancing the previously incompatible elements of acoustic velocity and attenuation performance. There has already been adoption of the materials with regard to automobiles, televisions, and room speakers.
Going forward, based on realizing components that are lighter, thinner, shorter, and smaller through the development of compounds with even higher strength and elasticity, we will reduce environmental loads and aim to contribute to the energy field and high-speed transportation infrastructure.

Conductive agent for lithium-ion secondary batteries

This product makes use of the conductivity and unique crystal structure of our CSCNT, and it can be applied as a conductive agent for lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIB). Recently, we have succeeded in the development of a next-generation pure-silicon negative-electrode LIB through the addition of CSCNT. We are already engaging in research & development for positive electrodes, and intend to contribute to the realization of a new generation of LIB that will have revolutionary performance.

 

Inquiries: Nanotechnology Development Department, tel.: 044-322-5595

n-type and p-type Polymer and Molecular semiconductors for Organic Electronics application

We distribute n-type and p-type Polymer and Molecular Semiconductors for Organic Electronics application.