PatIntNews

Showa Denko develops VGCFTM-X grade of carbon nanotubes using SDK's catalyst and synthesis technologies. The grade has high electrical conductivity and dispensability, and small number is able to give stable conductivity to plastics .They are planning to build a plant with a capacity of 400 tones of carbon nanotubes for use in plastics in Japan for start-up in 2010.

The possible area of commercial applications are static-free plastic cases for semi-conductor/hard disk media parts since higher density CD demand greater cleanliness of the air in a clean room.

Showa Denko has completed a patent cross-license and a issue an agreement with the US-based Hypedrion Catalysis International, which owns key patents relating to materials and applications in the area of carbon nanotubes, including for plastics composites. Both the companies are also pursuing possible joint R&D programmes.