① New Elastomer “Evolmer^®” / Organic Materials Research Department / Key Operations

Evolmer^® is a new elastomer developed using advanced polymerization technologies. In addition to excellent fatigue resistance in dynamic environments, oil resistance, and chemical resistance, it also has well-balanced properties such as mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and ozone resistance. It is a new material that meets the highly demanding requirements of applications such as sealants, rubber rollers, and diaphragms in the automotive and construction machinery fields.

② Carbonization Agent “LEAF” / Cement & Special Cement Additives Research Department / High-value Added Infrastructure Field

Denka’s carbonization agent “LEAF” can actively react with CO₂ to turn it into the chemically stable calcium carbonate. High strength and durability are achieved through this carbonization which encourages densification when added to cement and concrete. In addition, by effectively using byproduct slaked lime instead of limestone which produces carbon dioxide during high-temperature calcining, CO₂ emission during manufacturing is also reduced, and contribution toward achieving carbon neutrality can be expected.

③ Phosphor for Micro and Mini LEDs / Ceramic Research Department / Environment and Energy Field

There is attention on micro LEDs capable of realizing high luminance, high contrast, and energy saving as next-generation LED displays. To achieve micro LEDs of several tens of micrometers from around 300 μm, phosphor for micro and mini LEDs—which atomized existing phosphors of 10-30 μm to several micrometers—was developed.

④ Development of Norovirus Vaccine / Group Company Icon Genetics GmbH / Healthcare Field

In the Denka Group, development of norovirus vaccine—for which there is no effective prevention or treatment—is centered on Icon Genetics GmbH using magnICON^®, the company’s technological platform that is a genetic modification technology that utilizes plants.

⑤ Development of Rapid Test Kit for Ebola Virus Antigen / Reagent Development Department / Healthcare Field

Kits were developed jointly with the Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control that rapidly detect antigens from the blood of Ebola patients. The kits were evaluated in regions with Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After confirming clinical effectiveness in diagnosing early-stage patients under the local environment, we are working on seeking approval as an in-vitro diagnostic medicine aimed at practical application.

⑥ New Measurement and Diagnostic Technology for Infrastructure Buildings / Infrastructure & Solutions Development Research Institute

Toward enhancing durability and increasing longevity of social infrastructure, we are undertaking the fusion of the series of life cycle design—from inspection to surveys, diagnostics, design, repairs, reinforcement work, and maintenance and management—with digital technologies. Developing new technologies in 3D measurement that accurately digitizes building dimensions, material qualities, color, appearance, and other building attributes, we are working on application in the field of preserving cultural assets so as to pass on cultural heritage to future generations.

⑦ Multi-beam Emitter for Semiconductor Inspection / Electronic Materials Research Department

Denka has commercialized a multi-beam emitter for semiconductor inspectors. In addition to being smaller than existing products, it is the first product in the world which allows replacement frequency to be reduced. The trend for semiconductor inspectors is to be multi-beam types which use several electron beams, and this product was developed to rapidly respond to market needs.

⑧ Eco-Clear G High-strength Thin-wall BOPS / Polymer & Processing Technology Institute

Our biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet (BOPS) is excellent in transparency and hardness. It is widely used in the lids of food containers. Developed ahead of competitors, Eco-Clear G is the industry’s first environmentally friendly BOPS responding to the current environmental problem of plastics. It is lighter in weight compared to existing products and can contribute toward reducing CO₂ emissions and plastic waste.

⑨ Development of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test / Reagent Development Department / Healthcare Field

Denka received approval for the manufacturing and marketing of rapid antigen test [diagnostic] for COVID-19 in Japan on August 11, 2020, and has commenced sale of QuickNavi^™- COVID19 Ag. In addition, to prepare for seasonal influenza season in Japan, it is now possible to use the single swab sample with the influenza rapid antigen test kit QuickNavi^™- Flu2 and RS virus rapid antigen test kit QuickNavi^™- RSV2 at the same time. Going forward, Denka will continue to make improvements—such as improving test sensitivity and shortening the time required to obtain results—to further spread antigen testing.