Latest news with #AsahiKasei
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Asahi Kasei Receives Imperial Invention Prize in Japan for Nickel-Coated Absorption Layer - Mitigating the Deterioration of Electrodes and Contributing to a Stable, Long-Term Electrolyzer Operation
TOKYO & NOVI, Mich. & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei has received the 2025 Imperial Invention Prize from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, the highest award presented at the 2025 National Commendation for Invention. The formal award ceremony is scheduled to be held on July 1, 2025. The company was honored for its invention of a nickel-coated absorption layer, which extends the service life of electrodes for chlor-alkali electrolysis (patent no. 6120804). This honor underscores Asahi Kasei's commitment to continuous innovation in materials science and electrochemical processes. Chlor-alkali electrolysis uses ion-exchange membranes to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen through the electrolysis of brine. Since its commercialization by Asahi Kasei in 1975, this process has been adopted at over 160 plants in more than 30 countries worldwide (as of December 2024). In a commitment to its global support, the division held a Grand Opening Ceremony of its Houston, Texas office in late 2024. During this event, Asahi Kasei unveiled its ' DENKAI AS ONE ' model, making it a one-stop solution provider, offering electrolyzers, membranes, design, and operational support. The awarded nickel-coated absorption layer addresses a long-term key issue of the chlor-alkali electrolysis process: When the electrolysis is stopped due to temporary reductions in demand for chlorine and caustic soda, equipment malfunctions, or power outages, the electrodes—especially the cathode—deteriorate due to reverse current. This leads to problems such as increased power consumption and shortened cathode service life. Conventional measures have used mechanical solutions to suppress such reverse current. However, this approach is susceptible to malfunctions and operator errors, making it challenging to avoid cathode deterioration completely. Installing a reverse current absorption layer with a nickel coating offers an alternative method to eliminate the need for mechanical equipment. When stopping the electrolysis process, the reverse current absorption layer undergoes a chemical reaction with the nickel, preventing cathode degradation and enabling the equipment's stable, long-term operation. The nickel-coated reverse current absorption layer overcomes an additional hurdle for electrolyzer operators. Previously, customers often had to compromise porosity for strength and vice versa. Asahi Kasei's technology remedies this issue with its nickel-coated layer, which is both porous and sturdy while remaining processable over large areas. Commercialization was successfully achieved by applying nickel to a substrate with thermal spraying, which involves heating a material to a molten or near-molten state and applying it onto a surface to form a coating. Akiyasu Funakawa, General Manager of Asahi Kasei's Ion Exchange Membrane Research & Development Dept. said, 'Chlorine and caustic soda are indispensable raw materials that form the basis of various products which support our daily lives. This prize is a great encouragement as I continue to work on developing electrolysis technology that contributes to the world.' Toshinori Hachiya, General Manager of the Microza & Water Processing Quality Assurance Dept. at Asahi Kasei, added, 'In response to customer troubles, we have faced many issues and worked with many members to devise ideas. I am very happy that the results of our persistent efforts have been recognized in this way.' Chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment incorporating this technical breakthrough has already been adopted by chemical manufacturers worldwide, with market expansion continuing. Asahi Kasei is also investigating the technology's applicability to other electrolysis processes, such as alkaline water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. In addition to the Imperial Invention Prize, Koshiro Kudo, President of Asahi Kasei, accepted the Award for Distinguished Contribution to Driving the Invention into Implementation on behalf of the company. For additional information on Asahi Kasei's Ion-Exchange Membrane Business, visit The Imperial Invention Prize Akiyasu Funakawa General Manager Ion Exchange Membrane Research & Development Dept. Ion Exchange Membrane & Electrolysis System Division Asahi Kasei Corp. Toshinori Hachiya General Manager Microza & Water Processing Quality Assurance Dept. Microza & Water Processing Division Asahi Kasei Corp. Award for Distinguished Contribution for Driving the Invention into Implementation Koshiro Kudo President and Representative Director Asahi Kasei Corp. (Affiliations are current as of the date of the award.) About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Healthcare. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Asahi Kasei Receives Imperial Invention Prize in Japan for Nickel-Coated Absorption Layer - Mitigating the Deterioration of Electrodes and Contributing to a Stable, Long-Term Electrolyzer Operation
TOKYO & NOVI, Mich. & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 3, 2025-- Asahi Kasei has received the 2025 Imperial Invention Prize from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, the highest award presented at the 2025 National Commendation for Invention. The formal award ceremony is scheduled to be held on July 1, 2025. The company was honored for its invention of a nickel-coated absorption layer, which extends the service life of electrodes for chlor-alkali electrolysis (patent no. 6120804). This honor underscores Asahi Kasei's commitment to continuous innovation in materials science and electrochemical processes. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Ion-exchange membrane process for chlor-alkali electrolysis Chlor-alkali electrolysis uses ion-exchange membranes to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen through the electrolysis of brine. Since its commercialization by Asahi Kasei in 1975, this process has been adopted at over 160 plants in more than 30 countries worldwide (as of December 2024). In a commitment to its global support, the division held a Grand Opening Ceremony of its Houston, Texas office in late 2024. During this event, Asahi Kasei unveiled its ' DENKAI AS ONE ' model, making it a one-stop solution provider, offering electrolyzers, membranes, design, and operational support. The awarded nickel-coated absorption layer addresses a long-term key issue of the chlor-alkali electrolysis process: When the electrolysis is stopped due to temporary reductions in demand for chlorine and caustic soda, equipment malfunctions, or power outages, the electrodes—especially the cathode—deteriorate due to reverse current. This leads to problems such as increased power consumption and shortened cathode service life. Conventional measures have used mechanical solutions to suppress such reverse current. However, this approach is susceptible to malfunctions and operator errors, making it challenging to avoid cathode deterioration completely. Installing a reverse current absorption layer with a nickel coating offers an alternative method to eliminate the need for mechanical equipment. When stopping the electrolysis process, the reverse current absorption layer undergoes a chemical reaction with the nickel, preventing cathode degradation and enabling the equipment's stable, long-term operation. The nickel-coated reverse current absorption layer overcomes an additional hurdle for electrolyzer operators. Previously, customers often had to compromise porosity for strength and vice versa. Asahi Kasei's technology remedies this issue with its nickel-coated layer, which is both porous and sturdy while remaining processable over large areas. Commercialization was successfully achieved by applying nickel to a substrate with thermal spraying, which involves heating a material to a molten or near-molten state and applying it onto a surface to form a coating. Akiyasu Funakawa, General Manager of Asahi Kasei's Ion Exchange Membrane Research & Development Dept. said, 'Chlorine and caustic soda are indispensable raw materials that form the basis of various products which support our daily lives. This prize is a great encouragement as I continue to work on developing electrolysis technology that contributes to the world.' Toshinori Hachiya, General Manager of the Microza & Water Processing Quality Assurance Dept. at Asahi Kasei, added, 'In response to customer troubles, we have faced many issues and worked with many members to devise ideas. I am very happy that the results of our persistent efforts have been recognized in this way.' Chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment incorporating this technical breakthrough has already been adopted by chemical manufacturers worldwide, with market expansion continuing. Asahi Kasei is also investigating the technology's applicability to other electrolysis processes, such as alkaline water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. In addition to the Imperial Invention Prize, Koshiro Kudo, President of Asahi Kasei, accepted the Award for Distinguished Contribution to Driving the Invention into Implementation on behalf of the company. For additional information on Asahi Kasei's Ion-Exchange Membrane Business, visit The Imperial Invention Prize Akiyasu Funakawa General Manager Ion Exchange Membrane Research & Development Dept. Ion Exchange Membrane & Electrolysis System Division Asahi Kasei Corp. Toshinori Hachiya General Manager Microza & Water Processing Quality Assurance Dept. Microza & Water Processing Division Asahi Kasei Corp. Award for Distinguished Contribution for Driving the Invention into Implementation Koshiro Kudo President and Representative Director Asahi Kasei Corp. (Affiliations are current as of the date of the award.) Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit View source version on CONTACT: North America Contact: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe [email protected] Contact: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt [email protected] KEYWORD: MICHIGAN UNITED STATES JAPAN NORTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE GERMANY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BUILDING SYSTEMS CHEMICALS/PLASTICS AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY ENERGY MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT NATURAL RESOURCES OTHER TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE UTILITIES RESEARCH SOURCE: Asahi Kasei Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/03/2025 08:30 AM/DISC: 06/03/2025 08:28 AM
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Asahi Kasei Launches New Series of Sunfort™ Dry Film Photoresist as Material for Back-End Processing of Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Used in AI Servers
TOKYO & NOVI, Mich. & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei has developed the TA Series of Sunfort™ dry film photoresist as a new product designed to meet growing demand in the field of advanced semiconductor packages used in applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) servers. This product is positioned as a strategic offering within Asahi Kasei's Material sector, aiming to strengthen its footprint in the rapidly growing market of next-generation chip packaging. The dry film delivers an ultra-high resolution with conventional stepper exposure systems and laser direct imaging (LDI) systems, which transfer circuit patterns onto substrates during packaging, contributing to enhanced performance and precision in back-end processes. The development of the TA Series comes after years of close collaboration with our customers and a deep understanding of their most pressing pain points. Share Sunfort™ dry film photoresist is a mainstay of Asahi Kasei's Electronics business, comprising electronic materials and components. The entity is positioned as a First Priority business to drive growth under the medium-term management plan ' Trailblaze Together,' with an estimated 25% increase in operating profit between fiscal 2024 and 2027 as demand for electronic components continues to expand. Interposers serve as a bridge between chips and substrates and are used along with package substrates in advanced semiconductor packages. These components require a large area, high-multilayer structures, and increasingly sophisticated technologies for forming high-density microwiring. In photolithography, liquid resist has long been the mainstream photoresist material for the redistribution layer (RDL) due to its superior resolution. In contrast, dry film photoresist offers advantages for panel-level processing (which involves a larger surface area than conventional wafer-level processing), such as ease of handling and ease of processing on both the top and bottom sides of the substrate. Still, it has not been adopted for RDL formation due to limited resolution performance. Developed based on Asahi Kasei's long experience with photosensitive material and new material design, the TA Series enables fine wiring formation in panel-level packages and similar applications. The TA Series also allows patterning with a resist width of 1.0 µm using LDI exposure in the 4 µm pitch design required for RDL formation (see Figures a and b). The resulting fine resist pattern can be plated by a semi-additive process (SAP, a method for forming fine conductive patterns using partial electroplating), followed by resist stripping to form a 3 µm wide plating pattern in a 4 µm pitch design (Figure c). Sunfort™ dry film photoresist will continue to play a key role in developing panel-level packaging technology as panel sizes grow. The new TA Series allows manufacturers to achieve finer wiring with greater production efficiency, helping to reduce cost and increase yield in advanced semiconductor packaging. Asahi Kasei's TA Series comes at a pivotal time as demand in AI, automotive, and IoT markets grows. 'The development of the TA Series comes after years of close collaboration with our customers and a deep understanding of their most pressing pain points. Through this development, we address the evolving requirements of semiconductor packaging in AI, automotive, and IoT applications,' said Yu Hasegawa, Managing Executive and Senior General Manager of the Electronics Interconnecting Materials Division at Asahi Kasei. 'With growing demand, particularly in Asia and North America, we at Asahi Kasei are enhancing our global support framework to deliver timely solutions and technical services tailored to regional needs.' To learn more about Asahi Kasei's Sunfort™ visit About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people worldwide. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Healthcare. For more information, visit Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit
Japan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
China slaps anti-dumping duties on plastics from U.S., EU, Japan and Taiwan
China on Sunday announced anti-dumping duties as high as 74.9% on imports of POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic, from the United States, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan. The Chinese commerce ministry's findings conclude a probe launched in May 2024, shortly after the U.S. sharply increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, computer chips and other imports. POM copolymers can partially replace metals such as copper and zinc and have various applications including in auto parts, electronics and medical equipment, the ministry has said. Stay updated on the trade wars. Quality journalism is more crucial than ever. Help us get the story right. For a limited time, we're offering a discounted subscription plan. Unlimited access US$30 US$18 /mo FOREVER subscribe NOW In January the ministry said initial investigations had determined that dumping was taking place, and implemented preliminary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit starting from Jan. 24. According to Sunday's announcement, the highest anti-dumping rates of 74.9% were levied on imports from the U.S., while European shipments will face 34.5% duties. China slapped 35.5% duties on Japanese imports, except for Asahi Kasei, which received a company-specific rate of 24.5%. General duties of 32.6% were placed on imports from Taiwan, while Formosa Plastics received a 4% tariff and Polyplastics Taiwan 3.8%. Hopes have risen that the U.S.-China trade war is easing after the two sides said on May 12 they had agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs in a 90-day truce, a deal that state mouthpiece the Global Times said on Friday should be extended. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group of nations warned of "fundamental challenges" facing the global trading system in a communique on Friday after a meeting in South Korea.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
China imposes anti-dumping duties on industrial plastics
China announced anti-dumping duties as high as 74.9% Sunday on imports of POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic, from the United States, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan. The Commerce Ministry's findings conclude a probe launched in May 2024, shortly after the US sharply increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, computer chips and other imports. POM copolymers can partially replace metals such as copper and zinc and have various applications including in auto parts, electronics and medical equipment, the ministry has said. In January, the ministry said initial investigations had determined that dumping was taking place and implemented preliminary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit starting from January 24. According to Sunday's announcement, the highest anti-dumping rate of 74.9% was levied on imports from the United States, while European shipments will face a 34.5% duty. China slapped 35.5% duties on Japanese imports, except for Asahi Kasei Corp, which received a company-specific rate of 24.5%. A general duty of 32.6% was placed on imports from Taiwan, while Formosa Plastics received a 4% tariff and Polyplastics Taiwan 3.8%. Hopes have risen that the US-China trade war is easing after the two sides said they had agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs in a 90-day truce, a deal that state mouthpiece the Global Times said on Friday should be extended. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group of nations warned of 'fundamental challenges' facing the global trading system in a communique on Friday after a meeting in South Korea. On Monday, Asian shares slipped as a mixed bag of Chinese economic data showed the domestic economy was struggling even as US tariffs began to bite into exports. Growth in China's industrial output and retail sales slowed in April, as a trade war threatened to dampen momentum in the world's second-largest economy. However, the impact of tariffs on China's economic activity has yet to cause significant pain, as industrial output fared better than economists' expectations and unemployment eased. Industrial output in April grew 6.1% from a year earlier, slowing from 7.7% growth in March, official data showed. The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics surpassed expectations for a 5.5% increase in a Reuters poll of 24 analysts. Retail sales, a gauge of consumption, rose 5.1% in April, slowing from a 5.9% increase in March. Economists had expected retail sales to grow 5.5%. Fixed asset investment expanded 4.0% in the first four months of 2025 from the same period a year earlier, compared with expectations for a 4.2% rise. It grew 4.2% in the first quarter. Property investment fell 10.3% in the first four months of 2025 from a year earlier, following a drop of 9.9% in the first quarter, official data showed. Property sales by floor area shrank 2.8% in January-April from the previous year, after declining 3.0% in the first three months. New construction starts measured by floor area were down 23.8%, versus a 24.4% slump in January-March. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
