R&D Framework
Our Befu Works (Harima-cho, Hyogo) and Himeji Works (Himeji City, Hyogo) each house two research laboratories: the Material Development Laboratory and the Production and Process Engineering Laboratory.
Material Development Laboratory
Comprising three groups, the Super Absorbent Polymers Group, the Environmental Materials Group, and the Energy and Electronic Materials Group, the Material Development Laboratory is responsible for exploring manufacturing methods and quality design of new products, as well as developing new applications and streamlining the manufacturing of existing products.
Regardless of their position in the organization, all researchers engage in open and free-minded discussions to generate a continuous flow of ideas for developing new products and technologies.
| Material Development Laboratory | Research Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Super Absorbent Polymers Group | Development of high-functionality new-grade super absorbent polymers, super absorbent polymers compliant with chemical regulations, recycling technologies for super absorbent polymers, etc. |
| Environmental Materials Group | Development of new-grade water-based emulsions, new-grade water-based latex products, new-grade thickeners, etc. |
| Energy and Electronic Materials Group | Development of additives and binders for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIB), insulating materials, and silicon oxide precursors, etc. |
Production and Process Engineering Laboratory
Comprising two groups, the Process Development Group and the Production Innovation Group, the Production and Process Engineering Laboratory is responsible for establishing industrial formulas for mass production at plants, streamlining processes, and assessing equipment for new products.
| Production and Process Engineering Laboratory | Research Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Process Development Group | Development of high-purity electronics gases, CO2-PSA (carbon dioxide recovery equipment), and recycling technologies for super absorbent polymers, establishment of industrial formulas for various research themes, etc. |
| Production Innovation Group | Assessment of equipment for new products, etc. |
R&D Framework
We pursue research in three different R&D stages: exploratory research, development research, and commercialization research.
