Reserch & Development Organization
Chemicals
Research Laboratories
Formed by combining the Plastics Research Laboratory and Specialty Chemicals Research Laboratory in 1999, The Chemicals Research Laboratories set to work as laboratories for creating a wide variety of chemical products, ranging from specialty chemicals to polymers. By exploiting polymer science, synthetic chemistry technology, catalyst technology, and nanotechnology, the laboratories pursue creation and research of the Toray advanced materials which are at work in the fields of information/communications, automobiles, and aircraft. We are also engaged in R&D to help prevent global warming and solve problems such as resource depletion.
Successful development of nano-alloy technology for forming a 3D continuous structure which is precisely controlled on the nano-orderPlastics Research Laboratory
The Plastics Research Laboratory uses polymerization and design, polymer alloys, composites and molding and other base technologies as its foundation, spearheading research into higher polymer functions and processes. Particularly in recent years, we have focused our research efforts in the area of super engineering plastics such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and Liquid Crystal Polyester (LCP) which have outstanding heat resistance, flame retardance and chemical resistance, and are increasingly being used in hybrid vehicles and other applications.
We have also conducted research in areas such as creating the world's first NANOALLOY® polymer.
One recent research result is a new technology for improving flow of engineering plastics, realized by comprehensively pursuing, and then sophisticatedly integrating, a number of technologies, including Toray's unique polymer molecule design technology, nano-order polymer structure control technology, and compounding technology.
As materials with low environmental impact, we are carrying out R&D on polyamide, polyester and other polymers obtained from biomass-derived raw materials.
In this way, the Plastics Research Laboratory plays the role of Toray's polymer center, and is also conducting basic research to create new polymer materials.
Existing material
NANOALLOY®
Successful development of the world's first shock absorbing plastic, which normally exhibits the characteristics of high-function plastic, but deforms and absorbs shock like rubber when a sudden impact is applied
Conventional technology
New technology
By forming a nano-alloy, through dispersion in a matrix polymer in the form of nano-particles, the mobility of polymer molecules is improved, and a major improvement is achieved in the fluidity which is crucial for molten forming
Specialty Chemicals Research Laboratory
The Specialty Chemicals Research Laboratory strives from a base of organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, catalyst technology, and other elemental expertise to pursue research into carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), thermosetting plastics used in composite materials with carbon fibers, and fine polymers including fine polymer particles.
Based on our unique catalyst technology, this laboratory is establishing synthesis technology for world-class high-purity, highly electrically conductive, double-walled CNT, marketing these in transparent conductive films, and developing other applications of these tubes in advanced materials.
Thermosetting plastics for carbon fiber composite materials are being developed for the automotive and aircraft field, and fine polymer particles are being developed for a variety of applications including electronic and information materials, highly functional films, cosmetics, and composite materials. In these and other areas, the laboratory is developing new products for the chemical field, and offering chemical solutions which make pivotal contributions to Toray's advanced materials.
The Chemicals Research Laboratories continue 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 pilot the quest to mobilize strategic integrations of polymer science, synthetic chemistry, catalyst technology, and nanotechnology to supply a steady stream of new chemicals destined to shine as Toray advanced materials for the 21st century.
The double-walled carbon nanotube with the world's highest purity
Scanning electron micrograph
Transmission electron micrograph
Milestones in Toray R&D
| 1951 | Established Synthetic Fiber Laboratory (later Specialty Chemicals Research Laboratory). |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Established Plastics Engineering Research Laboratory (later Plastics Research Laboratory). |
| 1962 | Commenced production of Caprolactam (Photo-Nitrosation of Cyclohexane method). |
| 1975 | Commenced production of PBT resin. |
| 1997 | Commenced production of SIVERAS® liquid-crystal polyester resin. |
| 1999 | Established Chemicals Research Laboratories. |
| 2001 | Created NANOALLOY®. |
| 2007 | Developed shock absorbing plastic. Developed ECODEAR® biomass plastic. |
| 2009 | Practically realized PBT improved flow grade. |
| 2012 | Commercialized CNT transparent conductive film (for e-paper). |