Showa Denko to build plant for new carbon nanotube

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Showa Denko KK (SDK) has developed VGCFTM-X, a new grade of SDK carbon nanotube with an optimized design for resin composite applications. The company will begin construction of a 400-ton-a-year VGCFTM-X plant at its Oita Complex in March. The plant, due to start up in 2010, will have a leading cost-competitive position since it can fully utilize the existing utilities at the Oita Complex.

VGCFTM-X, which has been developed using SDK’s catalyst and synthesis technologies, has very high electrical conductivity and dispersibility. A small added amount can give stable conductivity to resins, VGCFTM-X is expected to find applications in static-free plastic cases for the carriage of semiconductor/hard disk media parts. Reflecting increased production of semiconductors with fine structure and hard disk media with higher density, those plastic cases are required to have higher levels of antistatic property to prevent contamination to parts and ensure cleanliness of the air in a clean room.

SDK has concluded a patent cross-license agreement and a supply agreement with Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc, which owns many key patents pertaining to materials and applications in the area of carbon nanotubes, including for resin composites. Hyperion, which is headquartered in Cambridge Massachusetts, USA, has been manufacturing and selling its FIBRILTM carbon nanotubes for a wide range of applications since 1983.

The companies have agreed to work together in certain defined areas. The arrangement will help SDK and Hyperion – the world leaders in carbon nanotube commercial production technology and quality design – to maintain and grow their leading positions in the promising compo