The Plastics Research Laboratory uses polymerization and design, polymer alloys, composites and molding and other base as its foundation, spearheading research into higher polymer functions and processes. Recent years have brought particularly remarkable progress in innovative new materials for the information and telecommunications field - the highly functional polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polyester and other engineering plastics. Other triumphs include the world's first nano-alloy polymer, nano-composite materials with control of heterogeneous materials at nano sizes and other pioneering projects.

The most recent achievements include research into PPS, for which sophisticated control of dispersion qualities of polymer, metal, inorganic particles and other heterogeneous materials plays the key role in attaining world-leading heat conductivity ranking right up with metal. Another global breakthrough is the development of halogenfree flame retardant polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) - a triumph rooted in pooling the essence of nano-alloy production technology.

The Laboratory has likewise marshaled nano-alloy technology, halogen-free flame retardant technology and other know-how in the evolution of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), sourced from eco-friendly plant materials, for applications in electronics. The Plastics Research Laboratory is the true"polymer center"for Toray Group, advancing basic research toward a progressive new generation of high polymer materials.

The Specialty Chemical Research Laboratory strives from a base of organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, catalyst technology and other elemental expertise to pursue research into nano-particles, fine polymers and monomer synthesis. In the research field of nano-particles, we have succeeded in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes with the highest level of purity and heat resistance in the world, based on Toray's unique catalyst technology.
Other notable work underway here includes research into fine polymer synthesis targeting high-performance polymers, innovative monomer synthesis seeking breakthroughs in polymer processes, new product development in the chemical field and the steady supply of chemical solutions that make pivotal contributions to Toray's advanced materials.

The Chemicals Research Laboratories continues to look ahead, working to instill greater depth and expertise into a vast scope of essential technology from chemical through polymer products. The Laboratories likewise pilots the quest to mobilize strategic integrations of polymer science, synthetic chemistry and nanotechnology to supply a steady stream of new chemicals destined to shine as Toray advanced materials for the 21st century.