R&D
Organization
Tokuyama's research and development organization is composed of two specialized units: one is the R&D Division, committed to providing Group-wide technological support and carrying out mission-oriented R&D projects; and the other is a group of development departments affiliated with each business division. The two units work closely together on research and development driven by the priority of satisfying customer needs.
Organization
R&D Division
Technology Strategy Dept.
The Technology Strategy Department commits to contributing to the creation of new businesses that drive the growth of the Tokuyama Group and the achievement of the goals of the medium-term management plan through the development and execution of the Tokuyama Group's technology strategy.
By anticipating the market needs arising from emerging social problems in the future and matching these with the unique technologies of the Tokuyama Group, the Department identifies technology areas to be focused on and plans internal R&D topics and open innovation strategies.
Tsukuba Research Laboratory
The Tsukuba Research Laboratory is the base for research and development in the East Japan area. The lab seeks to strengthen Tokuyama's technical competitiveness and increase the growth potential of its business, by conducting researching into new materials that will drive the creation of new era-making products and businesses. The lab works in fields from ICT to healthcare, such as semiconductor-related materials, APIs and photochromic materials. Development themes are mainly technologies and materials in which Tokuyama specializes, together with the wide range of fields they are related to. The lab cooperates with universities and other research institutes with a focus on development themes that will lead to new business.
Tokuyama Research Laboratory
As the R&D base for Western Japan, the Tokuyama Research Laboratory works closely with the business divisions, engaging in the research and development of new materials and technologies with a focus on areas peripheral to Tokuyama's other existing businesses. The lab also works on accelerating R&D by using the latest digital technologies such as material informatics and making the most of open innovation. Leveraging knowledge of the latest market and technological trends shared by the Marketing Dept. and the unique technologies Tokuyama has developed over the years, the lab pursues R&D themes with the goal of creating new businesses that will generate future revenue streams for Tokuyama.
Analytical Science Dept.
The mission of the Analytical Science Department is to provide analysis and evaluation technologies that help to improve the corporate value of the Tokuyama Group. In order to win the race to develop semiconductor-related products, the department refines Tokuyama's unique high-sensitivity analysis technology to create higher-quality products that stand out in the market, thereby improving value. The department also works jointly with each business development department on the continuous pursuit of new technologies to create new business.
Intellectual Property Dept.
The Intellectual Property Department supports the creation and utilization of intellectual property in the Tokuyama Group and is responsible for the management of intellectual property rights. The department is charged with a twofold mission. The first is to acquire rights to protect R&D results, which are the engine powering Tokuyama's position as a value-creative company, thereby building an intellectual property network optimally tuned for Tokuyama's patent-focused business to maintain competitive edge. The second is to conduct thorough investigation and analysis to ensure that the intellectual property rights of the third party are appropriately respected in Tokuyama's business operations. The department also works to ensure the effective utilization of intellectual property rights in accordance with today's dramatically evolving business environment. The department also carries out more involved surveys and analysis of intellectual property information to contribute to the creation of new businesses, working closely with the business divisions and R&D Division.
Business Division Development Departments
Chemicals Development Dept.
The Chemical Development Department is committed to providing basic chemicals that are essential to the fabric of society. Looking 10 to 20 years into the future, the department also seeks to expand into the energy and environmental fields, engaging in a wide array of development activities designed to contribute to society. Drawing on expertise in chlor-alkali electrolysis, the process which produces caustic soda and chlorine, the department works to develop world-leading high-performance electrolytic cells with innovative ideas that have never been tried before. Backed by a storehouse of manufacturing techniques, the department is also pursuing a range of projects, such as manufacturing and development of high-performance hydrogen materials with promising applications in the food and heath domains. It is also developing CO2 capture and concentration technologies based on the soda ash production process, Tokuyama's flagship field of expertise since the beginning. With these and other endeavors, the department is taking up the challenge of helping to build a sustainable world.
Cement Development Dept.
As the central R&D organization of the Cement Business Division, the Cement Development Department carries out basic research, technology development and product development in fields such as cement and concrete, resource recycling, cement-based solidifiers, and construction materials. In addition, as part of the Group's efforts to help mitigate global warming, the department is working hard to develop technologies for reducing CO2 emissions in the production of cement, including carbon capture and fixation.
Cement and concrete-related technologies are at the foundation of all R&D efforts for the Cement Business Division. Accordingly, the department focuses on creating more sophisticated quality evaluation technologies for cement clinkers, as well as collecting basic data on the physical properties of concrete. In the field of resource recycling, the department is exploring techniques for utilizing more types of waste matter as materials for cement or fuel for production while maintaining high product quality.
As conditions surrounding the cement industry grow increasingly difficult, the department is making every effort to fulfill the social mission expected of the industry by developing technologies that help enhance social capital while contributing to the development of a recycling-based society.
Electronic & Advanced Materials Development Dept.
As the developer of new products for the Electronic & Advanced Materials Division, the Electronic & Advanced Materials Development Department carries out research and development to create highly functional materials for semiconductors. Its work helps to support today's advanced information and telecommunications networks.
For semiconductor chemicals such as high-purity IPA and TMAH, the Department is working to further enhance its proprietary ultra-high-purification technologies. It is pursuing the development of next-generation chemicals with new functions to better match market needs. As part of the development of silica and silica composite materials, the Department has thoroughly refined its technologies for precise control of particle shape and surface conditions. This is especially important for advanced semiconductor encapsulants that support ultra-miniaturization and high levels of semiconductor device integration. Based on a precise understanding of market needs, the Department is accelerating development to deliver numerous cutting-edge products.
In the area of heat-dissipation materials, the Department is working to develop new materials based on aluminum nitride technology, where Tokuyama has the world's top market share. These materials help to deal with the increase in heat generation density, which has become a serious issue with today's high levels of semiconductor device integration.
SIN Dept.
At the Advanced Technology Commercialization Center in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the SIN Group is working on the development of mass production technology for high-strength, super heat-dissipation ceramics made from silicon nitride powder and silicon nitride.
Silicon nitride is used for heat dissipation and to insulate power semiconductors installed in electric vehicles (EVs) from high voltage. It helps to extend the cruising range and durability of EVs. The SIN Group has developed a proprietary energy-saving process with low environmental impact for the production of silicon nitride. It is also demonstrating its strengths in the EV field, where there is a need for components that help minimize environmental impact. The SIN Group also aims to ensure stable product supply and responsively meet diverse customer needs leveraging integrated production for everything from high-purity raw material powders to ceramic plates.
Going forward, the SIN Group will continue to focus on technological development of core materials that provide heat dissipation for power semiconductors while responding to global changes and market needs. It will also work on developing various products that utilize the characteristics of silicon nitride.
Eco-Business Development Dept.
The Eco-Business Development Department develops waste material recycling technologies and creates new businesses to help reduce environmental impact. While focusing on waste materials that have traditionally been difficult to utilize in cement production, the department also sets its sights on developing technology for all kinds of waste that are considered difficult to treat. In the process of selecting targets and in consideration of business development, the department collaborates with the Recycling & Environment Promotion Department to better understand the needs of the market. One example of achievements is the original technology it created for recycling waste plasterboards. It established technology for enlarging crystals via crystallization reactions and launched a new business in this area via Tokuyama Chiyoda Gypsum Co., Ltd. The department is now working on solar panel recycling technologies, a new theme. Leveraging Tokuyama's original low-temperature thermal decomposition technology, the department strives to establish this new business as quickly as possible.
System of Responsibility Concerning Management Control of Public Research Expenditures and Prevention of Misconduct
Tokuyama Corporation conducts the proper management and control of public research expenditures based on the system of responsibility set out below.
