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SDK to Focus on VGCFTM-H for Resin Composite Applications
Showa Denko (JCN Newswire)
2012-07-27 Tokyo, July 27, 2012 - ( JCN Newswire ) - Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has decided to focus on VGCFTM-H grade (approx. 150 nm in fiber diameter) in an effort to strengthen its business in carbon nanotube (CNT) for resin composite applications. As a result, SDK will stop marketing of VGCFTM-X grade (approx. 15 nm in fiber diameter), which has so far been evaluated by potential customers for resin composite applications.
Meanwhile, SDK will continue expanding its business in CNT for use in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (LIBs) as a key element of its new growth businesses.
In 1996, SDK completed a production facility for VGCFTM (150 nm in fiber diameter; a type of CNT) within the premises of Kawasaki Plant, and started selling the product as additive in anodes and cathodes of LIBs. SDK later started selling VGCFTM-H grade with better dispersibility.
For LIB applications, grades have already been integrated into VGCFTM-H. In response to steady increase in sales of CNT for LIB applications, SDK has increased production capacity at Kawasaki from 40 tons a year in the beginning to 200 tons a year at present.
In March 2010, SDK installed a 400 t/y production facility at the Oita Complex for VGCFTM-X, a grade developed specifically for resin composite applications. However, the plant was shut down last month due to the decision to focus on VGCFTM-H grade.
SDK recorded a loss for the impairment of fixed assets in the second quarter of 2012 in relation to the shutdown of the VGCFTM-X production facility at the Oita Complex.
AboutShowa Denko
Showa Denko K.K. ('SDK'; TSE: 4004, US: SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. SDK makes petrochemicals (ethylene, propylene), aluminum products (ingots, rods), electronic equipment (hard disks for computers) and inorganic materials (ceramics, carbons). The company has overseas operations and a joint venture with Netherlands-based Montell and Nippon Petrochemicals to make and market polypropylenes. In March 2001, SDK merged with Showa Denko Aluminum Corporation to strengthen the high-value-added fabricated aluminum products operations, and is today developing next-generation optical communications-use wafers. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp .
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