Techno Polymer develops high functional film - Capitalizing on the technologies of high quality ABS resin, which holds the number one share in the Japanese market -
08/23/2010
TOKYO - 23 August 2010 - Techno Polymer Co. Ltd. (President: Tomokazu Ito), a 100% subsidiary (which handles the ABS resins business) of JSR Corporation (President: Mitsunobu Koshiba) has announced its development of a high functional film, by capitalizing on the technological competence the company has cultivated through the development of materials thus far. Techno Polymer's ABS resins are used in a variety of applications such as automotive parts and components of amusement products, known for their functions such as heat resistance, flame resistance and resistance to weather. By capitalizing on the characteristics of these resins and as a result of developing high value-added applications, a high functional film or sheet series under the name of "VALUETECH" will be launched as a new business. From raw materials to the film or sheet material, Techno Polymer will consistently engage in product development.
The newly-announced product is a unique ABS film which can be used as a backing sheet in alternative energy solar cells, as an ABS sheet to enhance appearance in the interior etc. of luxury cars, and enables multilayer printing etc. to show uneven surfaces, mainly for building-related materials.
(1) Backing sheets for solar cells - VALUETECH NSS series
As a recent trend seen in solar cells for residential houses, from a design point of view (external appearance), solar cells that are black in color are desired. For a black solar cell module, a black colored backing sheet is required; however, in conventional products, because the black color absorbs light, the conversion efficiency is considered to be low. Techno Polymer's recently developed styrene-type, black colored backing sheet consists of a special pigment blended with Techno Polymer's highly weather resistant ASA resin, whereby compared to solar cell modules which contain conventional black backing sheets, conversion efficiency has been improved by approximately 2%. Durability is also favorable and after conducting a 3000 hour heat and humidity aging test, there were no negative effects on the module. The backing sheet is currently under evaluation for commercial viability by manufacturers of solar cell modules both in Japan and abroad.
(2) Appearance enhancing ABS sheet - VALUETECH NSG series
JSR's ABS resins are known for their ability to highly enhance external appearance, and are used uncoated in applications such as home electrical appliances and as components of amusement products. By capitalizing on the high quality characteristics of these resins, Techno Polymer has developed an ABS sheet with high gloss and enhanced appearance, which minimizes the occurrence of defects which appear on the surface of the molded item when vacuum molding. As well as drastically reducing the level of defects when vacuum molding and insert molding*1, in using this ABS sheet, a premium level external appearance can be obtained. Adoption of the product by a major decorative sheet manufacturer has been decided, and shipment has also begun. A transparent ABS resin is also currently under development.
*1 Insert molding is a method of decorating the surface of injection molded items. After loading the vacuum molded decorative sheet into the metallic mold, injection molding is performed.
(3) Special ABS film VALUETECH NFC series for multilayer gravure printing
This is a special ABS film suited to gravure printing. The film has superior solvent resistance and multilayer printing*2 is made possible. The NFC series are highly resistant to heat and have a special characteristic in that the films do not shrink during high-temperature drying (approximately 130ºC) whilst printing. Techno Polymer aims to expand the market mainly in building-related materials, with adoption by some customers already decided.
*2 A method of printing multiple layers.
Techno Polymer is enhancing its existing businesses by way of business development with its own polymer designs and pigment compound technologies. The company will continue to actively step forward into new business domains in the near future, offering solutions to extensive users, and aim to expand its business scope.
The newly-announced product is a unique ABS film which can be used as a backing sheet in alternative energy solar cells, as an ABS sheet to enhance appearance in the interior etc. of luxury cars, and enables multilayer printing etc. to show uneven surfaces, mainly for building-related materials.
(1) Backing sheets for solar cells - VALUETECH NSS series
As a recent trend seen in solar cells for residential houses, from a design point of view (external appearance), solar cells that are black in color are desired. For a black solar cell module, a black colored backing sheet is required; however, in conventional products, because the black color absorbs light, the conversion efficiency is considered to be low. Techno Polymer's recently developed styrene-type, black colored backing sheet consists of a special pigment blended with Techno Polymer's highly weather resistant ASA resin, whereby compared to solar cell modules which contain conventional black backing sheets, conversion efficiency has been improved by approximately 2%. Durability is also favorable and after conducting a 3000 hour heat and humidity aging test, there were no negative effects on the module. The backing sheet is currently under evaluation for commercial viability by manufacturers of solar cell modules both in Japan and abroad.
(2) Appearance enhancing ABS sheet - VALUETECH NSG series
JSR's ABS resins are known for their ability to highly enhance external appearance, and are used uncoated in applications such as home electrical appliances and as components of amusement products. By capitalizing on the high quality characteristics of these resins, Techno Polymer has developed an ABS sheet with high gloss and enhanced appearance, which minimizes the occurrence of defects which appear on the surface of the molded item when vacuum molding. As well as drastically reducing the level of defects when vacuum molding and insert molding*1, in using this ABS sheet, a premium level external appearance can be obtained. Adoption of the product by a major decorative sheet manufacturer has been decided, and shipment has also begun. A transparent ABS resin is also currently under development.
*1 Insert molding is a method of decorating the surface of injection molded items. After loading the vacuum molded decorative sheet into the metallic mold, injection molding is performed.
(3) Special ABS film VALUETECH NFC series for multilayer gravure printing
This is a special ABS film suited to gravure printing. The film has superior solvent resistance and multilayer printing*2 is made possible. The NFC series are highly resistant to heat and have a special characteristic in that the films do not shrink during high-temperature drying (approximately 130ºC) whilst printing. Techno Polymer aims to expand the market mainly in building-related materials, with adoption by some customers already decided.
*2 A method of printing multiple layers.
Techno Polymer is enhancing its existing businesses by way of business development with its own polymer designs and pigment compound technologies. The company will continue to actively step forward into new business domains in the near future, offering solutions to extensive users, and aim to expand its business scope.