PatIntNews

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has developed a new grade of carbon nanotube, VGCFTM-X, with an optimized design for resin composite applications. The company intends to start up the plant in 2010 and will commence the construction of a 400-ton-a-year VGCFTM-X plant in March this year at its Oita Complex utilizing the existing utilities.

SDK completed a patent cross-license agreement and a supply agreement with Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc. Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc. possesses various important patents relating to materials and applications in carbon nanotubes area, including for resin composites. The companies have agreed to work together in certain defined areas. Hyperion, headquartered in Cambridge Massachusetts, USA, manufactures and sells its FIBRILTM carbon nanotubes for a wide range of applications.

This arrangement will help both the companies to maintain and grow their leading positions in the composite market. They are also looking for possible joint R&D programs.

VGCFTM-X has very high electrical conductivity and dispersibility and its small added amount can give stable conductivity to resins. It has applications in static-free plastic cases for the carriage of semiconductor/hard disk media parts.