Development of Novel material contributing to Environmental Purification using Natural Energy
Showa Titanium Co., Ltd., subsidiary of Showa Denko (SDK) has announced the development of titanium oxide fine particles for use in UV-light-responsive photo catalyst with high level of activity. When exposed to UV light titanium oxides causes strong oxidation /reduction reaction helping to decompose stains from organic substances. It also exhibits ultra hydrophilicity causing water to spread as a thin film, making the titanium oxide based photo catalyst an ideal product for environmental purification using only natural energy in such applications as antifogging window glass and antifouling coating for external walls. Read more
Showa Denko (SDK) has successfully developed printable conductive inks for manufacturing electronic devices, providing silver nanowire as well as copper/silver hybrid type inks. The ink has been jointly developed with professor Katsuaki Suganuma of Osaka University. By combining the newly developed ink with Photonic Curing process, highly stable transparent conductive patterns can be formed on flexible films. Read more
Production of Biodegradable Plastic for Consumer Goods Packaging by SDK
Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has announced the production of bio-based biodegradable polyester resin Bionolle™ using bio-derived succinic acid. The new Bionolle can be completely decomposed after use into water and carbon dioxide, where it has been used in compost bags as well as mulch films. Read more
Introducing the Carbon-Coated Aluminum Foils for Lithium Ion Battery by SDK
Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) and Showa Denko Packaging Co (SPA) has announced the volume production of carbon-coated aluminum foils capable of reducing electrical resistance of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes, resulting in substantial improvement in quick charge/discharge performance, a requirement for collectors in automotive LIBs. The new aluminum foils with the trade name of SDX ™ can reduce the contact resistance by around 50% in comparison with conventional plain aluminum foils. SDX has been manufactured through coating plain aluminum foils with electrically conductive carbon, using company’s proprietary technology. Read more
Thermoelectric Power Generation Based on Waste Heat
Conversion of heat energy into electricity is based on electric potential difference which is caused by temperature differences at both sides of thermoelectric elements. Around 70% of total energy provided in Japan is wasted through its emission into the atmosphere, making thermoelectric power generation a viable method for utilization of this vast untapped energy coming form different sources, including incinerators, automobiles, ships and industrial equipment, while at the same time it will contribute in reduction of CO2 emission. Up to now, development of thermoelectric power generation has been done on the low temperature range between 100 to 300 degrees Celsius involving hot springs and diesel engines. Based on this, Showa Denko (SDK) and Plantec have made an announcement on full scale demonstration of thermoelectric power generation based on waste heat using SDK thermoelectric conversion modules in a waste incinerator built by Plantec. Read more
Shipment of 2.5- inch Hard disk Media by Showa Denko
Showa Denko made an announcement on shipment of 2.5-inch size hard disk media with storage capacity of 334GB utilizing the fifth generation perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology. SDK has already commercialized the 1.89, 2.5 and 3.5-inch fourth generation PMR media storage. Showa Denko claims that this is the largest capacity for this size of hard disk in the industry (i.e. the world) but I don’t believe this is the case based on earlier announcement by Toshiba on development of 2.5 inch HDD with the storage capacity of 640GB. Read more
Development of new technology in production of Carbon separators for PEFCs by SDK
Showa Denko K.K has developed a Bipolar-type Carbon separator for PEFC capable of increasing ouput density of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Lowe cost and lighter weight of the newly developed separator has been achieved through substantial changes in the process and raw materials by SDK. This has resulted in 30% increase in output density compared to PEFCs previously developed by SDK. Read more
Development of New Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Catalysts by SDK
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) catalysts are used both for anode as well as cathode to encourage chemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen. Although platinum is currently being used as catalyst, platinum high cost plus its low level of reserves around the world restricting the spread of PEFCs. In addition to these, platinum-based catalyst faces possible melting problem when it is used at a point close to cathode. In view of this shortcoming, Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has developed an alternative substance to platinum as a PEFC catalyst. The new catalyst is comprised of niobium-oxide-based catalyst and a titanium-oxide-based catalyst, each containing carbon and nitrogen atoms resulting in a highest achieved efficiency in terms of open circuit voltage and durability in comparison to other alternative platinum substitute catalysts in the world according to the company. Read more
Development of Red LED with world’s highest level output targeted for plant growth
Development of facilities for growing vegetables in an environment with controlled lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration and nourishment is gaining in popularity as they attracting attention ensure stabilized production regardless of season or place and achieving multiple cropping. Furthermore vegetable growth in such condition does not require any fungicides or insecticides because of the controlled environment. Nearly 30 facilities of this kind are already in operation in Japan. Read more
Commercialization of 3.5 inch 500 GB HD media by SDK
Showa Denko K.K. a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving in many fields ranging from heavy industries to the electronic and computer industries made an announcement today that it is ready for the shipment of 3.5 inch hard disk media storage with the capacity of 500 gigabit which is according to the company the world’s highest storage capacity for this size of HD. Read more
