New Elastomer with Transparency, Softness and Adhesive Properties
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kuraray (TOKYO:3405) (ISIN:JP3269600007) has announced its decision to establish facilities at its Niigata Plant with capabilities of mass producing 5,000 tons of an acrylic thermoplastic elastomer ("the New Elastomer") annually.
The New Elastomer, developed utilizing Kuraray's proprietary technology, possesses transparency and softness, as well as adhesive properties. These characteristics are utilized in the optical and molding material fields, which demonstrates great potential for market growth.
Kuraray is targeting a business scale for the New Elastomer of JPY10 billion in sales in 2018.
The New Elastomer
- A block copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA)
- A thermoplastic elastomer possessing both MMA's transparency and weather resistance as well as BA's elasticity and adhesive qualities
- A unique material developed through the proprietary technologies of Kuraray, the first company in the world to successfully achieve its commercial production
- One of Kuraray's "new materials that transform into the future" that meet needs not met by existing materials
Background to Full-Scale Development
- Since fiscal 2004, Kuraray has constructed a pilot plant for the New Elastomer, working to achieve market development and manufacturing technologies.
- From a market standpoint, Kuraray sees promise in three fields: adhesives; film as well as light guide components; and molding materials.
Overview of Full-Scale Development
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(1) Initial Target Fields and Main Applications |
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| Target Fields | Main Applications | Remarks | ||
| (i) Adhesives | Film and tape application |
Solvent free, |
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| (ii) Film, light guide
components |
Light guides such as |
Combines both |
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| (iii) Molding materials |
Body of electronic devices, |
Design, adhesive and |
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| (2) Production Facilities |
| Address: 2-28, Kurashiki-cho, Tainai, Niigata 959-2691, Japan |
| Production capacity: 5,000 tons |
| No. of employees: Approx. 20 |
| August 2011: Completion of facility expansion |
| September 2011: Commencement of operations |
| Capital investment: Approx. JPY5 billion |
| (3) Outlook |
| Kuraray is aiming for sales of JPY6 billion in 2015 and JPY10 billion in 2018. |
About Kuraray
With proprietary technology in polymer chemistry and synthetic chemistry, Kuraray has been developing chemicals and resins, fibers and textiles, high-performance materials, medical products and others. Kuraray has subsidiaries in 16 countries and regions outside Japan.
Contacts
Kuraray Co., Ltd.
Takeshi Hasegawa, +81-3-6701-1072
Corporate Communications Dept.
Contact Form: https://www.kuraray.co.jp/en/inquiry/form.php?type=3