We will apply for a public offering of small and medium-sized enterprises and SDGs business support projects (new initiatives with developing countries).
In order to mediate the matching of our products and technologies with the development needs of developing countries, we will apply for jICA's public offering of small and medium-sized enterprises and SDGs business support projects.
Cellulose nanofibers (CNF))Technology to concentrate
CNF is attracting attention now
What is CNF? 】
CNF is a fibrous substance that finely loosens cellulose, the main component of plants such as wood, to the nano level.
Because it is derived from plants, it is a new material that has a small environmental impact in production and disposal, and is attracting attention as a renewable resource that is easy to recycle.
Because it has various excellent characteristics as follows, it is expected to be used for a wide range of applications, and research and development of applications is progressing in various industries, including paper manufacturers.
【Features】
Low environmental impact in production and disposal
Renewable resources that are easy to recycle
Lightweight and high strength: one-fifth the lightness of iron and five times the strength of iron
No expansion or contraction due to temperature change
Films made from nanocellulose with high transparency transmit light
Membranes made of nanocellulose are difficult to pass through gases such as oxygen.
[Possibility of application development]
Taking advantage of the various characteristics of CNF, there is a possibility of developing various applications such as automobiles, home appliances, electronic components and bases, packaging materials, reforescing materials, metal-based materials, inks, paints, cosmetics, food, etc.
CNF is a fibrous substance that finely loosens cellulose, the main component of plants such as wood, to the nano level.
Because it is derived from plants, it is a new material that has a small environmental impact in production and disposal, and is attracting attention as a renewable resource that is easy to recycle.
Because it has various excellent characteristics as follows, it is expected to be used for a wide range of applications, and research and development of applications is progressing in various industries, including paper manufacturers.
【Features】
Low environmental impact in production and disposal
Renewable resources that are easy to recycle
Lightweight and high strength: one-fifth the lightness of iron and five times the strength of iron
No expansion or contraction due to temperature change
Films made from nanocellulose with high transparency transmit light
Membranes made of nanocellulose are difficult to pass through gases such as oxygen.
[Possibility of application development]
Taking advantage of the various characteristics of CNF, there is a possibility of developing various applications such as automobiles, home appliances, electronic components and bases, packaging materials, reforescing materials, metal-based materials, inks, paints, cosmetics, food, etc.
CNF up to now
Currently, cellulose contained in the color-like CNF solution is about 1 to 2%, 98% to 99% is produced and used in the dispersion of water.
Therefore, reduction of transportation and storage costs has been a problem.
Therefore, reduction of transportation and storage costs has been a problem.
西光エンジニアリングtechnology development.
Developed a technology to concentrate CNF solvents. Water was evaporated at low temperatures, allowing for short-term concentration without changing components.
In addition to reducing the cost of transportation and storage, it is also expected to be able to utilize a variety of CNF.
Applying microwave decompression drying technology, the entire CNF solvent is heated. Furthermore, by reducing the pressure in the warehouse to near the vacuum, moisture evaporates at a low temperature, and it is possible to concentrate without changing the components.
It has already succeeded in concentrating up to 10%.
In addition to reducing the cost of transportation and storage, it is also expected to be able to utilize a variety of CNF.
Applying microwave decompression drying technology, the entire CNF solvent is heated. Furthermore, by reducing the pressure in the warehouse to near the vacuum, moisture evaporates at a low temperature, and it is possible to concentrate without changing the components.
It has already succeeded in concentrating up to 10%.
Evaluation of CNF concentrates
Concentrate is thyxotropy, which is a feature of the CNF dispersion(Note 1)It is recognized.
Re-dispersion, the higher the concentration at the time of concentration, the lower the viscosity at the time of re-dispersion.
It is presumed that the aggregation of CNF progresses with concentration.
(Note 1) thyxotropy property: the viscosity decreases when the gel-like CNF is shaken up and down to the liquid, the property of returning to the gel shape when stationary
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Viscosity properties of concentrates
Viscosity characteristics of the re-dispersion
Future business development
Aiming for practical use of mass-produced concentrators and commercialization of concentrated CNF
Dozens of㎏Develop unit CNF concentrators and sell them to related companies
We produce and sell concentrated CNF in-house.
To meet the needs of using CNF aqueous solutions at high concentrations without diluting them
Dozens of㎏Develop unit CNF concentrators and sell them to related companies
We produce and sell concentrated CNF in-house.
To meet the needs of using CNF aqueous solutions at high concentrations without diluting them
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