2014.
No.51
Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental and Industrial Technology
Featured Article
Changing Our Future Society
with Nanotechnology and New Materials
New Enegy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
Toward a Safe, Secure and Prosperous Life
Changing Our Future Society with
Nanotechnology and New Materials
NEDO has been promoting research and development in the fields of new materials and nanotechnology for a long
time. As a result, many new materials have been developed and innovation is beginning to take place. New materials
will support industries of the future and hold the potential for changing our lives for the better. In this issue we will
feature NEDO’s efforts in the areas of materials technology and nanotechnology.
C ONTENTS
Featured
Article
Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental,
and Industrial Technology
2014. No.51
Changing Our Future Society with
Nanotechnology and
New Materials ................................................................................... 2
Interview with Takeshi Okada, Director General of NEDO Electronics,
Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department
Development of High Value-added Materials Leads
to Higher Technology Level of the Manufacturing
Industry .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions
Japanese-born Carbon Nanotubes ............................................................................... 8
Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality
Printed Electronics .................................................................................................................. 10
Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly Manufacturing
Producing Chemical Materials from Vegetation .......................................... 12
A Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation
Nanotech Challenge Project ............................................................................................ 14
An eco-friendly electrical device that does not use
gas with large greenhouse effect
p.14-15
Thin and light Braille device
p.8-9
By combining pre-existing materials and carbon
nanotubes, we are developing new, high-performance
materials that had not been feasible to make before with
existing materials (Development of Innovative Carbon
Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon
Emission Society).
With the development of a lightweght and thin Braille
device through the use of compound materials with tree
resin, it has become possible to attach an electric Braille
panel on the surface of such devices as an air conditioner
remote control.
Through nanotechnology, we are developing a
material that can significantly reduce the amount of
SF6 gas usage, a gas that is used in the insulator of
power devices and has 24,000 times the greenhouse
effect as carbon dioxide (Research and Development
for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications).
By replacing SF6 gas used in
power devices with compound
materials that employ nanotechnology, we can deliver
electricity to homes in an
environmentally-friendly way.
Micro electric generation system that can charge by
vibration and doesn’t require batteries
p.14-15
Using nanotechnology, we are developing materials
that can generate electricity from vibrations around the
body semi-permanently (Research and Development
for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications).
A tire air pressure sensor
combined with a micro
electric generator can
keep the driver informed
of the car tire status.
Making plastic products from plants
p.12-13
such as grasses and trees
By switching from oil as a raw material for chemical
substances to non-edible plants such as grasses and
trees, we can solve the problems of oil depletion and
global warming (Development of Manufacturing
Processes for Chemical Products Derived from Nonedible Plants).
Pressure sensor array entry mat notifies a family member
when children have returned home
p.10-11
Through a sophisticated combination of material
technology and printing technology, we are working to
manufacture electronic devices that are lightweight and
have a large surface area at low-cost and with low energy
usage (Development of Materials and Process Technology
for Advanced Printed Electronics).
We can change the materials used to make familiar plastic
products such as shampoo bottles to non-edible plantderived materials.
2
Integrating a large surface area pressure sensor array into
a home entry mat can serve many functions, including
informing a family member away from home when a child has
returned or providing useful information for security, medical
or nursing care purposes.
3
NEDO Interview
only developing materials technologies, but also supporting
collaborative technological development efforts between
a variety of companies including materials companies and
device companies, with a focus on the final products that will
be produced. We believe that NEDO is the only organization
that can organize a framework that brings different types of
industries together for technological development because of
NEDO’s unique identity as a national agency.
First of all, what kind of technology is nanotechnology?
Okada: It is a technology that controls matter in a domain
known as nanometers, that is, 10 to the power of -9 (10-9). In
other words, this is technology that manipulates and controls
matter on a molecular and atomic scale. When changes are
made to matter at the nano-level, properties of matter change
and innovative characteristics that previously could not even
Supporting Nanotechnology Until
be considered appear. Nanotechnology can be used to produce
Commercialization
novel materials and holds the ability to spark innovation. Since
Could you tell us what results have been achieved after working
1992, NEDO has been working on research and development
nearly 20 years in the nanotechnology field?
in nanotechnology.
Okada: For more than two decades, beginning with the
What is the significance of NEDO’s efforts in the technological
“Atom Technology Project” in 1992, we have supported key
development of materials?
technology developments in this field through various projects.
Okada: The “products” that surround us in everyday life are
One representative project to highlight from among those
composed of a myriad of substances. For example, liquid crystal
would be the “Research and Development for Nanotech
displays use multiple film and glass substrates as component
and Advanced Materials Applications”. Project applicants
materials. One could say that “materials” are the essential
foundation for manufacturing.
Market Size of Products, Components, and Materials and Market Share of Japanese Companies (Case of Liquid Crystal Displays)
In a global context, Japan’s
Japanese companies capture a large share of materials sales, but shares of component and final product sales are significantly smaller.
material industry has an extremely
high level of technical prowess. It
Components
Products
Materials
supports the manufacturing industry
by offering high-quality parts
Color Resist
Black Resist
and materials that can be used in
Color
81.4%
71.3%
(85.5 billion yen)
(16.5 billion yen)
Filters
finished products such as cars and
communications equipment. NEDO
(1,581.2 billion yen)
Liquid Crystal
Liquid
has been engaged in materials
Photo Spacer
Glass Substrate
Crystal
Displays
research and development to
51%
94.5%
(20.7 billion yen)
21%
(129.49 billion yen)
support the continuous innovations
to realize high-quality, high(8992.2 billion yen)
Polarizing Plate
Polarizing Plate
Protective Film
functioning materials.
Protective Film
Polarizing
100%
100%
Plates
However, when one looks at the
(126 billion yen)
(149.9 billion yen)
11%
position of Japanese enterprises in
(851.2 billion yen)
the world, their share of the materials
Anti-Reflective Film
market is high, but the Japanese
94.2%
(115.9 billion yen)
58%
market share falls as we approach
the manufacturing of final products.
(Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 2012 White Paper on Manufacturing Industries (Monodzukuri)).
Given this situation, NEDO is not
(TAC Film)
4
(Phase difference film with
optical compensation)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Research and Development for Applications of Advanced Devices and Materials Utilizing Nanotechnology (Nanotech Challenge) (p.14-15)
Infrastructure Development to Evaluate Next-generation
Advanced Component Development
Consortium for Advanced Semiconduct or
Materials and Related Technologies
Development of Nitride-based semiconductor single Crystal and Epitaxial Growth Technology
Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development Project (p.7)
Carbon Nanotube Capacitor Development Project
Development of Innovative Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission Society (p.8-9)
Development of Sustainable Hyper Composite Technology
Development of Fundamental Technologies for Green-Sustainable Chemical Process
Technology Development of Manufacturing Processes
for Non-edible Plant-derived Chemicals (p.12-13)
Material and
Component
Area
Aiming to expand product share
2005
Energy, Resource,
Environment Issues
It is well-known that “materials” make a significant contribution to the quality and functionality of final products.
Currently, NEDO is promoting the technological development with a focus on nanotechnology and seeking new
materials that can contribute to high value-added products.
Nanotechnology Information and
Acceleration Area Communication
Area
Development of High Value-added
Materials Leads to Higher Technology
Level of the Manufacturing Industry
Examples of Material-related Projects at NEDO (Nearly 40 materials-related projects over the past 10 years)
were required to have a vertical cooperative mechanism
linking the upstream organizations that have the innovative
nanotechnology seed technology with the downstream
organizations that would be responsible for commercialization.
This was a new approach. This vertical cooperative mechanism
crossing the boundary between different business fields proved
successful. Many of the development projects progressed
rapidly and I know many cases that have advanced very close
to commercialization. (see p. 14).
Another case to highlight is “carbon nanotubes (CNT)”.
This is a carbon material ordered at the nano-level that
displays amazing properties in electrical conductivity, thermal
conductivity, and strength. In 1991 CNT was discovered by
Dr. Sumio Iijima, who was at NEC (Nippon Electric Company,
Ltd.) at the time. NEDO has been engaged in development of
this technology from 1998 to the present. In particular, the target
of our current program, “Development of Innovative Carbon
Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission
Society,” is the “single-walled CNT,” which is difficult to make
practical but we are making steady progress in advancing the
concept from fundamental technology to product development.
Development of Fundamental Evaluation Technology for Next-Generation Chemical Materials
Development of Materials and Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics (p.10-11)
Based on this effort, the arrival of products utilizing singlewalled CNT technology is just around the corner. (see p. 8).
Bringing about new materials is challenging and time
consuming, and it is not easy for companies to continue on
alone. We think that it is NEDO’s role to support technological
development efforts of companies on a mid- to long-term
perspective.
Technology Seed Matching and
Technological Development for Our
Future Society
In terms of nanotechnology development, where does NEDO
plan to focus?
Okada: As I mentioned earlier, it is important to utilize newly
developed materials in products in order to commercialize
material technologies. For this reason, NEDO is working
to match “materials with new properties” up with “utility”.
Director General, NEDO Electronics, Materials
Technology and Nanotechnology Department
Takeshi Okada
Profile
Graduated from the Tokyo University Department of Engineering in
1991 with a degree in Aviation Engineering. Past positions include
Director of Regional Economy, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and
Industry at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Director
of IT Project Office, Information Policy Bureau, Commerce and
Information Policy Division. After having served as Counselor at the
CIO (Chief Information Officer) Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, he
has been on loan to the New Energy and Industrial Technology General
Development Organization (NEDO) since 2013.
5
Scheme of “Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications”
Responsible
for Core
Technology
Responsible
for Device
Development
Application
Responsible
for Product
Development
etc.
Example of
Research Framework
5 New Industries
to Contribute
Project Selection
• Nanoimprint
• Precise beam
processing
• Thin film growth
• Self-organization,
self-assembly
• Nano space
• Nano fiber
• Advanced material
interface control
• Nanomeasurement
evaluation
Upstream and Downstream
Vertical Cooperative
Research Framework
Leading
Research
Stage
Awarding
100% of cost
Stage I
Max. 70 million yen
annually per project
NEDO covers the
total project cost
Evaluation using Stage Gate
Innovative
nanotechnology
Commercialization
Research
Stage
Awarding
2/3 of cost
Stage II
Max. 200 million yen
annually per project
NEDO covers 2/3 of
the total project cost
Fuel Cells
Robotics
Information and
Communications Technology
Health Care Devices
& Services
Energy and Environmental
Devices & Services
※ No new active solicitations for either Stage I or II
Specifically, we are working actively to provide matching
services by providing samples throughout the duration of
projects we support and attending exhibits and industry
shows such as “nano tech.” By promoting exchanges within
different types of industries, we anticipate expanding the use of
developed technologies to a wide array of applications.
In addition, we believe it is important to clarify the potential
industrial applications in order to encourage commercialization.
Thus we listen to the opinions of companies and experts to map
out a vision of future society. Then we move on to technology
development with a clear focus on the most important industrial
applications.
Supporting Industry with Innovative
Materials
Finally, I would like to hear what the outlook on the future of
materials looks like.
Okada: Materials are the essential technology that supports
manufacturing and I think that in order to improve the
technological level of our industry, Japan needs to pay attention
to this area.
Although nanotechnology and materials technology were
designated as one of the strategic areas in Japan’s Third Science
and Technology Basic Plan, it is not clearly designated as such
in the Fourth Plan. However, other Western countries have been
aggressively pursuing research and development activities in
this area. For example, the US has launched MGI *1 and the EU’s
HORIZON 2020*2 designates nanotechnology and materials
technology as industry-leading technological priorities. In Asia,
South Korea has launched the Third Korean Nanotechnology
Initiative. Around the world countries are putting forward clear
strategies for technology development in the nanotechnology
and materials technology areas.
NEDO has also developed a roadmap to create a vision of
our future society and to help identify what kind of technology
will be needed by when through research of recent technology
trends. This roadmap describes our strategy to sustain Japan’s
technology level. Although until recently materials development
has been mainly focused on the fields of energy, electrics and
electronics, we are paying attention to the construction and
healthcare fields as we anticipate even more growth in those
areas. We will continue our development activities with the
goal of supporting the manufacturing industry through the
creation of innovative materials using nanotechnology
*1 M
GI: Material Genome Initiative. One of the major US initiatives in nanotechnology
and materials technology. It has a very bold goal to halve the time required from
research to commercialization of new materials.
*2 HORIZON2020: Research and development program in Europe.
Alleviating concerns of Rare Metal Supply with the
“Technological Competence as Our Resource”
Rare metals are called “industrial vitamins” as they have the
effect of enhancing special properties in materials. However,
with rare metal prices soaring in 2010 amid a tightening of market
supply, procurement of these materials has become an issue.
Since 2008, before concerns of rare metal supply came to the
attention of the public, NEDO has been strategically promoting
the technology development that focuses on rare metals from
a range of perspectives. Specifically, we have conducted risk
surveys of the supply chain, the supply-demand balance and the
impact on industries, and we have set technological development
themes for each rare metals and application.
In addition, we are actively engaging in international
cooperation in this field to advance research and development
activities in related areas. For example, NEDO signed an MOU
on effective use of rare metals with Ames Laboratory in the U.S.
to promote cooperation and information exchange between the
two organizations.
Under our “Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development
Project,” NEDO supports projects that work on 14 themes with
NEDO signed a MOU on effective use of rare metals with the U.S.
Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory (September 9, 2013)
Dysprosium
40%
reduction
40%
Platinum group metals reduction
Exhaust
purification
catalysts
6
5 Key Review Points
Supply (reserve production ratio)
Demand
Price (rate of growth)
Degree of country concentration
Recycling Rate
3 Policy Review Points
+
Country risk
Impact on our domestic
industrial competitiveness
Availability of technologies to
replace metals and reduce
amount of usage
The risk survey of rare metals was performed using 5 key review points and 3
policy review points to identify target mineral types and goal reduction amounts.
6 rare metals, including tungsten, dysprosium, cerium, indium,
and platinum group metals. With regards to cerium, glass
polishing pads using 50% less cerium than similar polishing
pads have already reached the market. Similarly, we are close
to commercializing super hard tools with a 50% reduced use
of tungsten compared with conventional tools and no loss in
performance.
The rising price of rare metals in 2010 was one of the reasons
why we launched the “Development of Technology to Reduce
Rare Elements Use and Development of Alternative Material.”
This project aims to reduce the rare metal supply risk, and NEDO
has implemented approximately 60 themes within the project up
to the present. We are steadily making progress and anticipate
new products to emerge from the project in the future.
Going forward NEDO will alleviate concerns about the supply
of rare metals by leveraging the “technological competence as
our resource.”
Primary Products with Reduced Rare Metals
Indium
Hybrid vehicle
motors
Ricoh Company, Ltd. developed a prototype of flexible color electronic paper.
Risk Survey Structure
50%
reduction
Liquid crystal
televisions
Cerium
50%
reduction
Glass for liquid
crystal panels
Tungsten
30%
reduction
Super-hard
tools
55%
Terbium/Europium reduction
Fluorescent
lights
Single wall carbon nanotubes manufactured by Technology
Research Association for Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (TASC)
7
Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions
Japanese-born Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes, discovered by a Japanese researcher in 1991, are garnering
attention as a revolutionary material that enables a variety of novel functions.
When mixed with pre-existing materials such as rubber, or polymers resin and
metals, the resulting compounds can display astounding properties. NEDO is
Electronics, Materials
Technology and
Nanotechnology
Department
rapidly developing an array of compound materials that use carbon nanotubes.
Shoichi Fujimoto
Occupying a central place in the nanotechnology field
due to its unique structure and physical properties
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a tube-shaped nano-material
made from carbon that was discovered in Japan. The size of a
nanotube is between 1 and 10 nanometers (nm) and is roughly
the same size as DNA (diameter of 2 nm). Although invisible
to the human eye, since its discovery many fascinating
functions of CNT have come to light given its unique structure
and physical properties. It has become a central technology in
nanotechnology researches.
From a structural standpoint, CNT is divided into two types:
multi-wall CNT and single wall CNT. Since production of
multi-wall CNT is relatively easily produced, million tons are
produced around the globe annually, and practical applications
as components of batteries and capacitors are advancing.
Compared to multi-wall CNT, single wall CNT has many
superior qualities, including a larger surface area and extremely
high conductivity of electricity and heat. For these reasons, by
blending it with a variety of pre-existing materials, we can
develop new functional materials with unforeseen levels of
performance and unique qualities.
For example, when even a small amount of single wall CNT
is blended with aluminum, it can conduct heat 2-2.5 times
more efficiently than copper, a metal with one of the highest
rates of thermal conductivity. For this reason, we anticipate
revolutionary applications in lightweight materials with high
thermal emissivity, lightweight materials with high durability,
and materials for use in highly efficient electronic circuits.
Nonetheless, there are significant obstacles that remain in
the way of further practical development of single wall CNT
technology, given that the techniques necessary to produce,
separate and purify single wall CNT, as well as control the
physical properties of this kind of composite materials, have
not been fully developed yet.
Characteristics and Applications of CNT
Composite Materials
Commercializing Heatsinks for
Invertors and Small Actuators
Recognizing the challenges, NEDO is developing core
technologies for creating CNT-based compound materials,
including necessary technologies to control the structure and
physical properties of compound materials as well as separate
and purify the materials, with a focus on single wall CNT-based
technologies. At the same time, we are developing technologies
that can be used for simple voluntary safety management of
essential nanomaterials with the goal of popularizing single
wall CNT.
One product that is already close to commercialization
is a heatsink for a motor invertor which was developed
by combining it with aluminum. We believe that this new
component could be utilized as part of aircraft electronic
technologies such as the electric hydraulic actuators used in
controls. This new compound allows the heat from electronic
circuits to escape more efficiently, making it possible to use
less electricity to cool them and to extend the life of electronic
circuitry. Furthermore, as it is approximately 10% lighter
than aluminum, the material will be useful in improving fuel
efficiency.
In addition, we are currently working towards a
commercialization goal to develop applications for invertors
for electric motors. Once completed, it is expected that
performance will be improved over traditional invertors by as
much as 25%. As a result, automobiles and train cars equipped
with these invertors will be more environmentally friendly.
We are also making progress creating flexible electrical
20nm
Single Wall CNT
Technology Research Association for Single Wall Carbon
Nanotubes (TASC)
Rubber with thermal
conductive rate similar
to iron
3 High electrical conductivity
etc.
A tubular nanomaterial made from
carbon.
NEDO and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
have developed a highly effective method of creating single wall CNT. It makes it possible
to manufacture high quality single wall CNT with characteristics of high purity, high electrical
conductivity, and high-specific surface area.
8
Future all-electric airplane
(conceptual drawing)
Electric hydraulic actuator for
flight control
Butterfly that flaps its wings (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.)
Carbon fiber compound materials
Heatsink of power
device
eDIPS method
The individual minute fibers are single wall CNT.
Diagram of single wall CNT
Composite material with single wall CNT and aluminum has 2-4 times the high
thermal conductive properties of aluminum and releases heat rapidly.
Prototype butterfly that flaps its wings. Wing parts use thin, lightweight
and highly durable actuators developed with a composite of single wall
CNT and tree resin
2 Becomes a semiconductor based on structure
4 High thermal conductivity,
Left: aluminum; Right: highly thermal
conductive composite material
Super-growth method
1 Lightweight and high durability
50nm
Thermal transfer experiment (TASC)
Examples of Possible Applications of CNT
Compound Materials
rubber,
tree resin,
metal and
other materials
Enlarged photo
elements by blending single wall CNT with resin. In actuators
that utilize these elements, the power generated is more than
20 times greater than conventional models per unit weight,
and it is highly anticipated that the actuators can make drive
devices lighter and smaller. Furthermore, we are developing
Braille displays and artificial muscles using this actuator, and
see practical applications in the near future.
In order to expand the possible applications of single wall
CNT, NEDO is providing samples of compound materials to a
range of industries. We hope that innovative products utilizing
these compounds will emerge in the future.
High strength
materials
CNT fibers
CNT ink
Electronic
circuitry parts
CNT thin film
transistor
Transparent
electrical
conductivity film
Electrically
conductive
rubber
Sensor
material
High performance
heat conductive
material
Transparent
conductive
film
Super-growth method and eDIPS method: Method to combine single wall CNT being developed by this project.
Braille device (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.)
Development of a lightweight and thin Braille device was feasible with a
composite of single wall CNT and tree resin.
9
Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality
Printed Electronics
There are organic EL lighting on the ceiling, and a thin, sheet-type display
mounted on the wall. An organic EL curtain is hanging in the window. A
wireless charging sheet is on the table, and your smartphone and other devices
laying on the sheet will be automatically charged wirelessly. All the electricity
is generated by a thin, flexible solar panel installed on the roof. In the near
future, flexible electronic devices enabled by new printing technology hold
Electronics, Materials
Technology and
Nanotechnology
Department
Printed electronics refers to electronic circuitry and other
electronic devices manufactured using printing technology.
Simply put, it is the technique by which things like tablet
terminals are created through a printing process. The primary
characteristics of printed electronics are that they are thin,
lightweight and flexible. For this reason, a wide variety of
applications for the technology are expected.
In 2010 NEDO launched the “Development of Materials and
Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics” project
and has been supporting both a contract project to develop
core technologies for printed electronics and a grant project
to develop practically applicable technologies. JAPERA
(Japan Advanced Printed Electronics Technology Research
Association) is responsible for the contract project, and Ricoh,
Toppan Printing, and Dai Nippon Printing were selected for
the grant project. Each participant sets its own technological
development agenda to work on.
27 Japanese manufacturing companies and one research
institution are participating in JAPERA, and their industries
Printed electronics manufacturing
process (JAPERA)
Flexible device (JAPERA)
Technology that manufactures flexible electronic devices through printing. High
performance is achieved by combining materials and printing technologies in a
sophisticated manner.
10
electronics is possible, including lighting and sensors. Since
these can be connected to other things, it is possible to attach
electronic displays around circular pillars or directly to the
surface of a wall, or even make the entire floor a pressure
sensitive sensor.
In the future, great changes could happen in our homes
with printed electronic products placed all around us. We
are continuing to advance research and development on this
subject, anticipating that printed electronics will help realizing
an even more eco-friendly and convenient lifestyle.
Kenta Goto
the possibility of making our future and our lives ecologically sound and
extremely convenient.
Promoting Cutting-Edge Research and
Development by Gathering Industry Knowledge
that requires a highly sophisticated combination of materials,
manufacturing processes, machinery and devices, it is not
something that anyone could easily duplicate on their own. Also,
since this technology makes it possible to manufacture devices
via printing, there is the potential to reduce manufacturing
costs significantly.
As part of the project NEDO is currently engaged, we have
been able to produce prototypes of small electronic paper
displays and pressure sensors. Ultimately, we plan to make
these products with larger surface areas and with higher
precision. In addition, a range of other applications for printed
range widely from materials and semiconductors to consumer
electronics to printing. Since Japan already has a number of
companies that have highly advanced technologies in a variety
of fields, our goal is to establish printed electronic technologies
that will lead the world by gathering their knowledge together.
Competitions among countries are becoming fierce in regards
to technology development.
Application examples of flexible electronic devices
Printed electronics makes possible such devices as thin and flexible color electronic paper displays, induction charging sheets (a device that
cordlessly charges cell phones or other devices via wireless transmission of energy), and digital signage. In addition, by manufacturing large surface
area pressure sensor array, printed electronics could see applications as portable flexible sensors, bed sore prevention sensors for medical and
nursing care, and footstep sensors for crime prevention.
Technology to bring innovation to the
electronics industry
One of the reasons why NEDO is putting resources into this
area of technology is the need for innovation in the electronics
industry. Currently, with regards to products such as liquid
crystal displays, since they now can be made relatively easily
by setting up manufacturing devices, low-cost products have
captured the majority of the market share.
However, as printed electronics is a manufacturing method
Electronic price tags (TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.)
A lightweight, flexible electronic price tag. Although electricity is used when generating
the image and letters, no electricity is needed to continue displaying the information,
making it a low-energy system.
Flexible TFT sheet (JAPERA)
Pressure sensor array (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.)
Electronic paper
Digital signage (Electronic billboard)
Induction charging sheet
Flexible sensor
Healthcare sensor device
Footstep monitoring device
11
Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly Manufacturing
Four Features of Cellulose Nano Fiber
Producing Chemical Materials from Vegetation
(1) Increased strength through surface modification
techniques
(2) Improved productivity by simplifying the
production process
(3) Weight reduction via foam molding
(4) Various color expressions through the use of
pigments
NEDO is working on manufacturing chemical materials such as plastic from
grasses and trees. We are aiming to develop manufacturing techniques that
use non-edible grasses and trees as the raw material rather than edible plants
such as corn. We are also developing high performance materials that did
Electronics, Materials
Technology and
Nanotechnology
Department
not exist before by utilizing high strength “wood fibers.” In the future, the
chemical materials that are pervasive in our everyday life may be replaced by
Kaoru Hashimoto
materials that come from plants.
Adapted from M. Harrington, 1996
Cellulose Nano Fiber
Cellulose nano fiber can be obtained from plant fiber (cellulose) extracted
from wood and unraveled to reach a fine, nano scale.
Substituting Plant-derived Materials for
Petroleum-based Raw Materials
The majority of chemicals such as plastic in use today require
petroleum to produce. Accounting for nearly 23% of Japan’s
petroleum consumption, the production of chemicals from
petroleum uses large quantities of oil resources. Furthermore,
the CO2 emissions from the production of chemical products in
Japan accounts for about 13% of all industrial emissions and
5% of nationwide CO2 emissions.
At the same time, we are encountering such problems as the
Cellulose
Chemical
makers
Universities
Paper
manufacturers
Users
Petroleum chemicals
Engaging in development activities to move away from oil-derived raw materials by
having paper manufacturers, chemical makers, universities and users working together.
Cellulose-derived
intermediate product
• Engineering plastic
• Thermosetting resin
Hemicellulose
Wood biomass
Lignin
Hemicellulose-derived
intermediate products
Lignin-derived
intermediate products
• General purpose
chemical products
• Functional chemical
products
soaring price of petroleum and the depletion of oil reserves
caused by the increasing global demand for oil, and climate
change in connection with increased CO2 emissions. For
these reasons, NEDO is promoting a project that utilizes raw
materials derived from various plants to reduce our reliance on
oil as a raw material for chemical products.
Production of Chemical Materials
from Non-edible Plants
Among plants that can be used as raw materials (as known as
biomass), there is edible biomass such as corn and sugarcane
that can also be food, and there is also non-edible biomass
including grasses and trees that are not used as food sources. In
order to avoid disrupting the food supply, NEDO is working on
a project to make chemical materials from non-edible biomass.
In addition, we are working to develop this technology
through a vertical cooperative structure with over 20
participating companies and universities, connecting paper
manufacturers with access to raw materials, universities that
are developing core technologies, and chemical companies.
Moving towards practical applications in
a wide range of industrial fields, including
automobiles, consumer electronics,
construction materials and packaging.
creating final products with high added value, we can achieve
product manufacturing with a competitive cost.
Lighter and Stronger Plant Materials for
Automobiles
One of these products is “cellulose nano fiber (CNF).” It is
possible to extract this material through careful unravelling of
cellulose, a basic plant fiber, at a nanoscopic scale. CNF has the
exceptional characteristic of being 5 times stronger than iron.
Through a technique which blends CNF and tree resin developed
by the NEDO project, we have successfully developed a
composite material that is lightweight and very strong. When
this material is used in automobiles, it can significantly reduce
the weight of the vehicle chassis and improve fuel efficiency.
In fiscal year 2014, a pilot plant designed to offer samples is
scheduled to be completed.
In the future, we hope to replace the petroleum-derived
chemical products currently surrounding us in everyday life
with products derived from plant biomass, from plant biomass.
Developing a Competitive
Manufacturing Process
Eucommia ulmoides
Crude
polyisoprene
Furfural
Purified
polyisoprene
• Polyurethane raw
material
• Impact resistant raw
bio-materials, etc.
The peel of a seed
(Sustainable
biomass part)
Development of viable ingredient separation technology
Development of technology to manufacture intermediate and final chemical products from viable ingredients (catalyst and fermentation technologies)
Development of complete manufacturing process from raw materials to final chemical products
Project overview: The goal of this project is to establish a manufacturing process for chemical products using viable ingredients extracted from plants.
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Currently there are a number of practical applications for
chemical materials manufactured from edible biomass, but
in terms of production from non-edible biomass costs have
not reached a point suitable for practical applications despite
the rigorous pursuit of research and development activities.
For this reason, as part of this project we aim to reduce costs
across the entire manufacturing process for chemicals derived
from non-edible biomass and we are working to develop a
process that effectively utilizes each ingredient of cellulose,
hemicellulose and lignin that compose grasses and trees. By
enabling the effective use of those three components and
13
stage). Once Stage I was completed, a stage gate review
is performed and only promising themes move forward to
Stage II. In this way, we can continually support themes
that showed exceptional results in Stage I through until they
achieve practical applications.
Of the 78 topics researched up until now, a number of
them are close to achieving practical applications.
A Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation
Nanotech Challenge Project
Nanotechnology is a fundamental technology that has been the basis of technological
innovations in a diverse range of industrial fields including consumer electronics,
Electronics, Materials
Technology and
Nanotechnology
Department
environment, energy and healthcare. NEDO is promoting research and development
projects to accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology. One example of our
Taro Kimura
efforts is the “Nanotech Challenge.” Some projects have already achieved excellent
results, and several innovations are progressing towards practical applications.
Advancing commercialization of seed technologies through vertical
cooperation between upstream and downstream organizations
Nano Composite Insulation Material
(TOSHIBA CORPORATION)
Illustration and microscope photographs of nano composite materials. Uniform dispersal of nano particles enables increased
insulation properties and better equipment reliability. This reduces SF6 which has an extremely high greenhouse gas effect.
SF6 gas
Smaller, lighter and no SF6 gas usage
14
Solid insulation system
SF6 gas insulation system
Components for electric device (switch gear)
made from newly developed materials
High voltage section
(conductor)
Switch
(vacuum bulb)
Nano composite
insulating material
(surface ground)
Strictly controlled,
used in sealed tank
Metal box
Replace SF6 gas with
solid insulating material
Removal of gasified sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from switch gear using solid insulation
One of those technologies is the nano composite insulating
material to create an electric device that is environmentally
friendly. Traditional powerdivice needed to use sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6) - a gas that has nearly 24,000 times the
greenhouse effect as CO2 - for insulation from high voltage
components. To reduce the use of SF6, we have developed a
nano composite material with high insulation properties by
equally dispersing nano particles throughout an epoxy resin
used on the periphery of the high voltage components.
At Stage I, universities performed materials development
and evaluation of the insulation properties. At Stage II,
Kunimine Industries and Sanyu Gikou developed mass
production technology for the materials. Toshiba took
the lead in the project and manage each stage and its
participants. Using this newly developed material, we have
been successful in producing a prototype electric device
model (a switch gear). Currently Toshiba is exploring the
possibility of adopting this in its electric device products.
Another example is a small-scale vibrating electric
generator developed cooperatively by Omron Corporation
and Asahi Glass. The device is about the size of a 100 yen
coin, and it can efficiently convert minute vibrations into
electrical energy. With nanotechnology, it has become
possible to acquire electric power from the environment by
converting weak vibrations to electricity using a material
called electret. Although this power source component is
small, it is able to obtain sufficient electricity to operate a
sensor. Since there is no need to replace the power source
or use an electrical wire, maintenance is extremely easy.
We believe that this would be ideal for sensors that monitor
the safety of buildings, bridges and roads. In addition, there
could be an extremely wide range of applications such as in
health, healthcare and welfare devices, as well as portable
electronic devices.
The third example is an air filter that uses nano fibers.
We developed an air purifying filter that uses extremely
little energy due to reduced pressure loss that also has dust
removal, antibacterial, deodorizing and dehumidifying
capabilities. Since it uses nano fibers, this extremely precise
filter can catch PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than
Micro Vibration Electric Generator (OMRON Corporation)
Small scale device converts
minute vibrations into electricity.
Semi-permanent, maintenancefree device.
Application Examples of Micro Vibration Power Generation
One NEDO project that has emphasized the importance of
nanotechnology is “Research and Development for Nanotech
and Advanced Materials Applications (also known as the
“Nanotech Challenge”)”, which was launched in 2005.
Although nanotechnology was highly anticipated as a
new technology at the time, somehow practical applications
did not readily emerge. This was due to a number of
problems, such as the long time required to develop practical
applications and, despite the wide-range of applications for
the technology envisioned, the lack of particular connections
between research and the final applications. We began
the Nanotech Challenge with the goal of resolving these
problems.
This project solicited research themes from applicants,
and one of the unique aspects of this project was that it
required a vertical cooperation between universities and
material makers (upstream organization) and product
manufacturers (downstream organizations). We believed
that facilitating collaboration between different businesses
and industries would lead to a better understanding of user
needs and accelerate commercialization of seed technology
by university and companies.
Another unique aspect of the project was how we
divided the R&D period into two parts: Stage I (the leading
research stage) and Stage II (practical application research
Innovative Products Using Nanotechnology
will Emerge One after Another in the Future
2.5 micrometers) particles, pollen and even viruse. Due
to low pressure loss, it also contributes to reduced energy
consumption. We are planning to market the product for a
variety of uses, and we are promoting practical applications
of the filter that fit the needs of users such as hospitals and
food production facilities as well as semiconductor plants.
Beyond these technologies, we are continuing to develop
a range of products, and in the near future we hope that the
project will have an impact on many different fields and lead
to products that improve our quality of living.
Social Infrastructure
• Highways
• Railways (rails)
• Bridges
• BEMS [Building
Energy Management
Systems]
Transportation Devices
• Airplanes
• Automobiles
• Trains
• Bicycles
Factories
• Motors
• Robots
• Conveyor Belts
Living Space
• Consumer electronics
(washing machines, vacuum cleaners)
• Health devices
(pedometers, heart rate monitors, blood pressure
manometers, blood glucose monitors)
• Cell phones
• Clocks/Watches
• Electric razors
• HEMS [Home Energy Management
System]
• BAN [Body Area Network]
Highly Efficient Nano Filter (JAPAN AIR FILTER Co., Ltd.)
Exhaust
Outside air
Ventilation
(1) (2)
Purified,
humidity-controlled air
(3)
100nm
(1) Nano fiber for odor elimination (100 nm)
New product
(2) Anti-bacterial nano composite fiber (3) Fluorocarbon polymer nano fiber for humidity control
Diagram of filter module structure and electron microscope photograph of nano fiber
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Domestic Offices
Kansai Branch Office
Head Office
Umeda Dai Building, 6F, 3-3-10
Umeda, Kita-ku
Osaka 530-0001 Japan
Tel: +81-6-7670-2200
Fax: +81-6-6344-4574
MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 16F-20F
1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku
Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan
Tel: +81-44-520-5100
Fax: +81-44-520-5103
Overseas Offices
Washington
2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 605
Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A.
Tel: +1-202-822-9298
Fax: +1-202-822-9289
Silicon Valley
3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 790
Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A.
Tel: +1-408-567-8033
Fax: +1-408-567-9831
Europe
10, rue de la Paix 75002
Paris, France
Tel: +33-1-4450-1828
Fax: +33-1-4450-1829
New Delhi
7th Floor, Hotel Le Meridien
Commercial Tower, Raisina Road
New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: +91-11-4351-0101
Fax: +91-11-4351-0102
Beijing
2001 Chang Fu Gong Office Building
Jia-26, Jian Guo Men Wai Street
Beijing 100022, P.R. China
Tel: +86-10-6526-3510
Fax: +86-10-6526-3513
Bangkok
8th Floor, Sindhorn Building Tower 2
130-132 Wittayu Road, Lumphini
Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-256-6725
Fax: +66-2-256-6727
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku
Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan
Tel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-44-520-5103
URL: http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html
September 2014