Research & Development

Research Subject

Corporate R & D Principles

Overview of Research Facilities

Organizational Chart / Activities

R & D Trends

Inorganic R & D No.1 Department
	Inorganic R & D No.1 Department is responsible for the development of silica products under an organizational structure that extends over silicates in a range of states, from ore to fine material. Materials of interest cover a wide area, from electronics and engineering materials to cosmetics, including colloidal silica, ammonium silicate, lithium silicate, water glass, and mesoporous silica. In particular, there is extensive development of colloidal silica due to the controllability of its morphology and properties. Basic research on layered silicates such as magadiite is also in progress.
Inorganic R & D No.2 Department
	Inorganic R & D No.2 Department is responsible for research and development of functional materials, focusing on inorganic phosphorus compounds, and including chromium, lithium, barium/strontium, and magnesium salts. Inorganic phosphorus compounds of interest include high purity metaphosphates for optical glass, pyrophosphates, and apatites. Current development of chromium salts includes trivalent chromium aqueous solution for use in surface treatment, and chromium hydroxide for replenishment of hard trivalent chromium plating solution. In the area of lithium salts, we are engaged in basic research on lithium sulfides for use as solid electrolyte in lithium ion batteries, and sulfide materials based on lithium sulfide. With respect to barium/strontium salts, we are developing strontium hydrogen phosphate for use as a fluorescent substance, high-purity strontium carbonate, and high-purity barium carbonate. In addition, we are engaged in the development of magnesium oxide for use in PDP protective layers.
The Organic R & D Department
	The Organic R & D Department consists of three groups identified as I, II and III. With the aim of developing its own distinctive technology, each group is actively engaged in the development of novel organic materials in order to fulfill specific goals. Group I is pursuing R & D of functional materials, including optically active materials, conductive materials, and ionic liquids based on phosphine and its derivatives. Group II primarily focuses on the development of organic electronic materials and flame retardant additives for lithium ion batteries. Group III is pursuing R & D in the areas of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and other related materials.
The Electronic Materials R & D Department
	The Electronic Materials R & D Department consists of four groups: Electronic Ceramic Materials, Battery Materials, Circuit Materials and New Materials Development. The groups are engaged in R & D aimed at meeting the demand for miniaturization and improved performance of electronic material parts and components. The Electronic Ceramic Materials Group focuses on R & D of titanates and other electronic ceramic materials. The Battery Materials Group is engaged in R & D of complex oxides for use as active positive-electrode materials in lithium ion secondary batteries, and fuel cell materials. The Circuit Materials Group is pursuing R & D of conductive powders utilizing electroless plating technology. The New Materials Development Group explores the development of novel materials.
Evaluation/Analysis Group
	The Evaluation/Analysis Group is engaged in the development of methods for evaluating the performance of products and potential products under development. The group utilizes highly sophisticated analytical equipment to perform various compositional analysis and observation. This includes surface observation and elemental mapping analysis by TEM, FE-EPMA, FE-SEM-EDX, etc., observation of surface conditions at the atomic level by SPM, chemical state analysis by LRA，and ultra-trace component analysis (at the ppb and ppt level) by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. We also utilize the Rietveld method to conduct structural analysis based on XRD data. In order to support the development of new products, we are engaged in evaluation and analysis that makes full use of the characteristics of each device. We are committed to the development and improvement of analytical techniques in the knowledge that-from alchemy to quantum theory-analytical chemistry represents a long accumulation of wisdom from around the world. We consider that the Evaluation/Analysis Group provides a highly motivating workplace with the power of satisfying our intellectual curiosity through discovery of the unknown and acquisition of its secrets.
The Intellectual Property Group
	The Intellectual Property Group is responsible for managing all aspects of intellectual property, from application for patents and trademarks to registration and maintenance. The group also offers services facilitating the efficient operation of general R & D tasks, such as searches for technical information relating to R & D topics.
The Planning and Management Group
	The Planning and Management Group is in charge of the administrative work necessary for the promotion of safe and smooth R & D activities, including management of research buildings and handling of both company and external procedures. It is also responsible for coordination with factories engaged in the development of new products.